PATNA, Jan. 25 -- Chief minister Nitish Kumar gave a boost to the Vaishali's developmental initiatives by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 128 projects worth Rs.152 crore as part of his ongoing Samriddhi Yatra. The highlight of the event was the virtual launch of 25 new schemes on Panapur Baba Bateshwarnath Dham premises. The scheme will together cost Rs.54 crore. As many as 103 completed projects valued at Rs.98 crore were also inaugurated. Prior to the event, the CM offered prayers at the temple. Earlier in the day, Kumar carried out on-site inspections of several key projects. At the Vaya river site in Mahua block, officials briefed him on the progress of de-silting work already completed along the 93-km stretch of the river. The cleaning of the riverbed is expected to improve water flow, reduce flood risks and enhance drainage in the district, where the seasonal river serves as the primary drainage channel for eight blocks. He was also updated on plans to channel water into Barela wetland from the Jandaha distributary and provide an outlet to the Noon river during high water levels. The ecologically vital Barela lake, notified as Salim Ali Jubba Sahni Bird Sanctuary, supports flood control, groundwater recharge, fisheries and migratory birds. At the Government Medical College in Mahua, the CM toured the emergency ward, ICU, OPD and medicine distribution centre. Children treated under the Bal Hriday Yojana and girls who received cervical cancer vaccines under a state scheme personally thanked him. Kumar praised the medical arrangements and directed officials to ensure no patient faced any difficulty. On the college premises, the CM also inspected stalls showcasing local startups and innovations. There, he handed over a symbolic cheque of Rs.101 crore to 5,314 women's self-help groups under the Jeevika programme. The women expressed gratitude for the government's initiatives....