Bihar’s Nitish Kumar-led NDA cabinet approved Tuesday Rs 882.87 crore to develop Maa Janaki Mandir at Punauradham (Sitamarhi), considered Goddess Sita’s birthplace, as a major tourist site on the lines of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple complex. Under the plan, which is being given final shape ahead of assembly polls later this year, Maa Janaki Mandir will be reconstructed and tourist facilities developed in its vicinity to attract visitors. Nitish took to X soon after the cabinet meeting to post details. “The foundation for the project will be laid in Aug. We are committed to completing a grand temple at Punauradham at the earliest,” the chief minister wrote. The site, 5km from Sitamarhi town in north Bihar, is part of Ramayan Tourist Circuit that links Nepal’s Janakpur with Ram Janmabhoomi (temple) site in Ayodhya. The Nitish cabinet had recently approved Noida-based private firm M/S Design Associates, the design consultant for Ram Temple, in a similar role for the Sita shrine project. “Comprehensive development will be carried out on the lines of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra, Ayodhya. The construction of the temple at Punauradham is a matter of pride for the people of the country, especially for the people of Bihar,” the chief minister added.