Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday asked concerned officials to focus on the augmentation of works of various irrigation projects in four districts and ensure drinking water facility in Rourkela.
The direction came during a meeting with Water resources secretary Pradip Kumar Jena and Housing and urban development secretary G Mathivathanan at Secretariat who submitted reports to the Chief Minister after a visit to the respective areas.
While Jena submitted a report on his visit to Koraput, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Bolangir, Mathivathanan reported on his visit to Rourkela. Discussing with Jena on the status of projects and programmes, especially taken up by water resources department, in the aforesaid districts, the Chief Minister suggested timely completion of small, medium and mega irrigation projects as well as lift irrigation projects.
It was revealed during the meeting that the Telingi project aimed at irrigating 2000 hectares will be completed by 2016-end. Likewise, the Kalahandi project will be completed by 2018 to provide irrigation facilities in 8,500 hectares. Besides, the Laitara mega irrigation project aimed at providing irrigation facility in 500 hectare will also be completed on time, officials assured. Patnaik, who asked water resource officials to expedite the work of irrigation and lift irrigation projects, sought co-ordination with field officials and ensure construction of more check-dams in these districts.
Meanwhile, the CM after studying the reports of Mathivathanan on Rourkala, asked Urban development officials to focus on drinking water supply facility, implementation of affordable housing scheme, Aahar, rehabilitation of slum dwellers and other development of facilities to make it a smart city. Chief Secretary GC Pati and Development commissioner UN Behera were present at the meeting.
