The Bihar government has approved a comprehensive development plan worth Rs 882.87 crore for Punaura Dham Janki Mandir in Sitamarhi district, regarded as the birthplace of Goddess Sita. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Under the approved proposal by the Tourism Department, Rs 137 crore will be allocated for renovating the old temple, while Rs 728 crore will be spent on developing tourism infrastructure. The remaining funds will be used for maintenance over ten years. The development plan, modeled on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya, includes construction of a grand temple, Sita Vatika, Luv-Kush Vatika, parikrama paths, thematic gates, display kiosks, cafeteria, children’s play zones, and improved access roads and parking facilities.

The foundation stone will be laid in August 2025, and Design Associates, the consultant for Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, has been appointed for the project. The site attracts large numbers of domestic and international pilgrims annually.