Patna, Feb. 13: By the end of this month, the state capital residents would be able to play beach volleyball or listen to sonorous saxophone while taking a stroll at their very own Sabbalpur Diara.

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has selected city-based RK Enterprises for introducing these facilities at the sandbar. The tourism department has proposed to dish out the entertainment package under the name of Vasant Mahotsav.

Naveen Kumar, the deputy general manager of the BSTDC, said: “We have selected a firm to set up a food plaza, children's amusement park and introduce water and other adventure sports facilities at the Gangetic island of Sabbalpur Ganga Diara. The selected company has been given an area of 100x100sqm for running the facilities.”

The Telegraph had reported about the plans of the BSTDC to set up recreational and leisure activities at the sandbar in its January 16, 2012 edition. The estimated project cost is Rs 70 lakh.

Rahul Verma, the owner of RK Enterprises, said: “After our selection through the tendering process for this scheme, we tabled our plan for developing ‘Dolphin Amusement Park’ at Sabbalpur Diara. We intend to erect temporary structures for an open-air amphitheatre, food stalls, handicraft stalls and amusement games. We have planned to develop a high-end restaurant, where visitors would be able to savour all kinds of cuisines. We have also made arrangements for daylong activities, including volleyball, football, musical performances by artistes on instruments like congo and saxophone. Sketch artistes would also be available at the sandbar, enabling visitors to get their sketches done.”

Verma said: “The amusement park would be open from 12noon to 10pm and we will make proper security and transportation arrangements. We intend to start the facilities by the end of this month.”

After the integrated development of the sandbar, several amusement games would be on offer for children at the diara. Couples, both young and not-so-young, would be able to stroll at the sandbar with the music of congo and saxophone resonating in the air. Food of varying tastes would also be dished out at the sandbar.

The BSTDC started giving the sandbar surrounded by the Ganga and Gandak a fresh look. Situated a few kilometres away from Kali Ghat near Patna University, it has been developed as a tourism hub under the aegis of Sabbalpur Diara Island River Project.

Two temporary food courts with canopy, two big and two small open canopy lounges with a capacity of 18 and eight people, respectively, are already there.

Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi inaugurated the sandbar on December 4 last year. At present, it is open to visitors seven days a week between 2pm and 5pm.