Why in the News?

• The Chief Minister of Bihar inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of a total of 263 development projects worth Rs 820.72 crore in  Nalanda during his Pragati Yatra .

Key Points:

Major inaugurations and foundation stone laying:

=> These development projects include the inauguration of 177 projects worth Rs 361.66 crore and the laying of the foundation stone of 86 projects worth Rs 459.05 crore.

=> The major projects are as follows:

• Inauguration of pond and library: During this, he inaugurated the pond, beautiful park and air-conditioned digital library built under the Amrit Sarovar Yojana in Naanand village of Silav block .
• Samajik Utthan Park: Constructed at a cost of Rs 19-22 lakh, instructions to keep it clean
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Handed over newly constructed houses (with electricity, water and gardening facilities) to 12 Mahadalit families
• Providing financial support to Jeevika sisters.
• Rajgir Kund Complex: Inauguration of the newly constructed Yatri Vishram Bhawan
• Benar-Saksohra Road: Widening and Strengthening
• Fish Hatchery: Inspected
• Local playground: inspection, players provided with blazer balls and sports kits
• Interaction with beneficiaries of Samajik Bhavan, Work Shed, and Child Welfare Scheme

Future Projects:

=> Construction of Dinosaur Park in Rajgir

=> Panchane Irrigation Scheme: Restoration and Development

=> Establishment of Agricultural Research Center in Sarmera

Nalanda district:

Introduction:

• Nalanda is a major district of Bihar whose headquarters is Bihar Sharif . Its area is 2,355 square kilometers (909 sq mi).

Historical Significance:

• Nalanda is world-famous for its ancient history.
• The remains of the world's oldest Nalanda University are still located here.
• Buddha and Mahavira stayed at Nalanda several times.
• Mahavira attained salvation in Pavapuri (Nalanda) .
• Shariputra, the chief disciple of Buddha, was born in Nalanda .
• The famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang spent a year here in the 7th century.

Tourist Spots:

• Ruins of Nalanda University
• Nalanda Museum
• Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall
• Rajgir (Hot water springs – Brahmakund, Saraswati Kund, Langate Kund)
• Pavapuri (place of Mahavira's nirvana)
• Bodh Gaya and Gaya (Major centers of Buddhism)

Major rivers:

• Falgu
• Charm