Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has decided to develop semi-permanent facilities at Sabbalpur Diara, around 2km north of the city.

The corporation has decided to develop pre-fabricated multi-purpose hall, food courts, seating huts and toilets, which would be put up at the sandbar almost throughout the year except monsoon when the water level rises.

'Till now, the corporation has been coming up with temporary amenities at the sandbar using material such as bamboo, straw and hay among others in winter. But we intend to develop the facilities using pre-fabricated material, which would be semi-permanent in nature. This would save the money and time in developing the amenities afresh every year,' BSTDC managing director Mohammad Sohail said.

Starting 2010, the sandbar surrounded by the Ganga and Gandak on either sides, is given a fresh look by the BSTDC to lure visitors, mostly during winter. The sandbar, situated around 2km from Kali Ghat near Patna University, has been developed as a tourism hub under the aegis of 'Sabbalpur Diara Island River Project' of the tourism department.

Over the past three years, the sandbar has remained one of the most sought-after destinations for residents on a number of occasions, including Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Day celebrations, apart from daily events. Kite festival and aero-modelling shows were also held at the sandbar in January last year.

At present, the BSTDC is in the process of selecting a firm, which would construct the said semi-permanent facilities at the sandbar. 'We also had a meeting with the chairman of the Cottage Industries Corporation on Thursday and we are expecting that they would provide their cooperation in this project,' said Sohail.

Those looking forward to enjoy some quality nightlife at the sandbar might, however, be disappointed as all facilities would be open between sunrise and sunset only. Smoking and drinking are also strictly prohibited. 'Post-sunset operations at Sabbalpur diara can be allowed only when proper security arrangements are made there,' said Sohail.

At present, the facilities at the sandbar include 25 outdoor seating umbrellas having six chairs under each, four seating canopies having capacity for 10 people in each, two food plazas, two watchtowers for aerial views, hand-pumps for drinking water and rest rooms for men and women.

Residents are also upbeat with the news semi-permanent facilities at the sandbar. 'Sabbalpur Diara has been the most favoured hangout destination for me and my friends. It is a perfect getaway from the city, and it is mesmerising to go to the sandbar in the early morning hours. It is a welcome move by the authorities to develop semi-permanent facilities over there as it would allow visitors to enjoy the sandbar fun almost throughout the year,' said Pranav Kumar, resident of Gardanibagh.