Bhubaneswar: Within hours of 5T Secretary VK Pandian’s visit to Satbhaya Baghpatiya Settlement Colony in Odisha’s Kendrapada district, the state government has sanctioned Rs 22 crore to develop the area as the country’s first resettlement colony for people affected by climate change. It will be a part of the state government’s Adarsha Colony initiative.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, 5T Secretary Pandian visited Kendrapada for two days on April 27 and 28. During this time, Pandian met the displaced people settled there and discussed their problems, and asked about their opinions on the government’s plans for developing the area.
After Pandian returned to Bhubaneswar he informed the Chief Minister about the needs of the local people.
Acting on Pandian’s feedback, the government has decided to develop dams and fences, housing for the beneficiaries, livelihood programmes, roads, drinking water, electricity, and panchayat houses. In addition, it has been decided to provide the people at Satbhaya with agricultural land based on the needs of the people.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has directed the state Tourism Department to improve the infrastructure and beautify the famous Panchubarahi Peetha and develop it as a major tourist destination by executing a light and sound show.
The Chief Minister has ordered to take up all these works under the 5T initiative and finish them within the specified time frame.
It is worth noting that due to the impact of climate change, affected people are being resettled in Baghpatia as the Satbhaya region has been submerged in the sea. This is the first colony in the country to resettle the people affected by climate change.
