Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the month-long Malmas Mela or fair at Rajgir in Nalanda district on Wednesday and highlighted the secular and geological credentials of the place.

He also stressed that the area would be further developed for tourists and pilgrims.

"Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Guru Nanak Dev, Makhdum Shaikh Sharfuddin Sahab - all have been associated with Rajgir.

The town is considered very holy during Malmas because it is believed that 33 crore gods and goddesses reside here during the month," Nitish said.

Rajgir is famous for its hot water springs and pools, which have medicinal properties and are thronged by the people, especially on religious occasions and during winter.

"A remarkable thing is that all the pools have hot water, but the water in the pool where Guru Nanak resided has cold water. The pool named after him will be further developed for pilgrims and tourists, and a gurdwara will be built there," Nitish said.

The chief minister announced construction of a route parallel to the current one, leading to the World Peace Pagoda, also known as Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The existing route was developed 49 years ago.

He also said that the Venu Vana (bamboo grove gifted to Lord Buddha by King Bimbisara) and all the other water pools and tanks will also be developed.

Speaking further after inaugurating the Malmas Mela, which has been accorded the status of a "state fair" from this year, Nitish said that he visits Rajgir once or twice every year for 3-4 days, as it gives him much mental peace and satisfaction.

"The Himalayas are considered to be around 50 lakh years old, but the "panch pahari" (five hills) here are said to be anywhere between 2 crore to 10 crore years old," he said.

Launching a mobile app, courtesy Nalanda district administration, to provide all necessary information to visitors to Rajgir, Nitish elaborated that closed-circuit television cameras have been installed at 84 places while 549 magistrates, 353 police officers and an adequate number of security personnel have been deployed in three shifts to ensure safety and security of devotees and tourists.

Various hot water tanks have been repaired while the temples near them have been painted and beautified.

A large number of cleanliness workers have been deployed and various civic amenities have been ensured for the fair.

Round-the-clock medical facilities, pure drinking water, ample lighting, fire brigade, tourism information centres have also been put in place.