Jajpur/Balasore: Reiterating his government’s development agenda, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the holistic development of mining areas and Nagada is the prime aim of the state government.
Addressing a public meeting at Kalarangi under Sukinda block during his whirl-wind tour to Jajpur district Friday, the Chief Minister said the state government has initiated a number of significant steps to boost infrastructure in the state.
Projects pertaining to road connectivity, healthcare, drinking water and electricity are being executed in Nagada area, he added.
“Mineral-rich Sukinda in Jajpur district has made the entire state proud. A host of developmental projects have been undertaken in mining areas with funds available from district mineral fund,” he pointed out.
Patnaik said the government has plans to provide 50,000 Biju Pucca Ghar units to poor people living in seven mineral-rich districts. The Chief Minister handed over forest land pattas to residents of Nagada, provided assistance of `15,000 to SHGs of the village under Orissa Livelihood Mission and handed out pension to some beneficiaries.
MP Rita Tarai, energy minister Pranab Prakash Das, Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak, Dharmasala MLA Pranab Balabantray and Binjharpur MLA Pramila Mallick also addressed the meeting.
Patnaik laid the foundation stones for several projects worth `250 crore in the district, including `33.92-crore Sukinda mega drinking water project, `12.81-crore Ashokjhar-Nagada road project, `6.9-crore hostel for Deogan Ashram School and `180.23-crore expansion project of Tamka-Mangalpur road.
During the CM’s visit, Congress activists staged protests at Gamaria Shiba temple. Police detained over 50 Congress workers who were trying to show black flags to the CM.
Later in the day, Patnaik went on a project inauguration spree in Jaleswar and Bhograi areas of Balasore district.
Speaking at a meeting in Jaleswar, the Chief Minister said he is happy to have got the opportunity to serve ‘Mother Orissa.
His government has undertaken a number of programmes to uplift the standard of living of the poorest in the society, Patnaik said.
He later inaugurated Talsari Beach festival and stated that coastal zone management plan and tourist circuits have been executed for protection of 480 km long coast and development of tourism sector. PNN