Development Projects Inaugurated in Nalanda | 25 Feb 2025

Why in 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 traveller 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