Jharsuguda: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited the industrial district of western Odisha and laid foundation stones for 14 developmental projects at an estimated cost of Rs 450.02 crores.
This apart, six projects completed at a cost of Rs 11.82 crore were inaugurated by Patnaik.
Inaugurating the 158th death anniversary observance of Saheed Karunakar Singh Naik, Patnaik also announced that a memorial for the martyr will be built at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Patnaik attended the inaugural ceremony of three-day long Saheed Karunakar Singh Naik’s 158th death anniversary celebration at Kolabira. The CM also graced the inaugural ceremony of 3-day long Saheed Karunakar Singh Naik’s 158th death anniversary at Kolabira.
Flying from the State capital Bhubaneswar to Jharsuguda Airport by a special aircraft, the CM headed towards Kolabira by helicopter to the meeting venue at Kolabira PS College Ground and near the Agriculture Office. Here he laid foundations for the 14 developmental projects and inaugurated the 6 projects.
Soon after the dedication of the projects, the Chief Minister addressed the gathering of Gond Maha Sabha organsied by Gondwana Gond Samaj.
Addressing the public, the Chief Minister said, “I’m delighted to attend the Maha Sabha organized by our Gond brothers and sisters. Gond community is a brave community, rebellious community. They have often been fighting for self-respect. December 22 is the martyrdom day of Kolabira Zamindar Veer Karunakar Singh Naik. On this occasion, I convey my rich tributes and homage. He fought against the British Raj led by Veer Surendra Sai and Veer Karunakar Singh Naik’s martyrdom is an illustrious chapter of our Indian Freedom Movement.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced Rs 50 lakh for construction of Saheed Karunakar Singh Naik’s memorial and also assured that measures would be taken for conservation of Kolabira Fort.
The Chief Minister also announced that the commemorative service in honour of Saheed Karunakar Singh Naik will also be observed at the State level.
Prominent among others, the meeting was attended by Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) chairman Kishore Mohanty, ST&SC Development Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi, Bargarh MP Pravas Singh, Gondwana Gond Maha Sabha national president Mahendra Naik and former MP Rabi Pani.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place during the CM’s visit. Eight DSPs, 20 inspectors, 26 sub-inspectors, 37 ASIs and 12 platoons of police forces were deployed at the meeting venues and temporary helipad.
PNN