Bhubaneswar: As per direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Kartik Pandian visited Sambalpur district.
He flagged off the First Mahanadi Half Marathon in Sambalpur Today at 6 AM. More than 4000 runners participated in this marathon event under various categories.
Speaking on the occasion, Kartik Pandian said,” Sambalpur has good sports culture and to further develop the talent, Chief Minister has directed to provide the best of facilities. Recently, the indoor stadium in Burla, constructed at a cost of Rs 27 crores was inaugurated. The foundation stones were also laid for the Sambalpur Football Academy and the Sports complex in Sambalpur University including Hockey stadium and indoor sports facilities at a total cost of Rs 100 crores”.
He further mentioned that Chief Minister directed to construct a new football stadium and upgrade the VSS cricket stadium into a modern stadium. These stadiums will be taken up with an approximate cost of over 350 crores. This will be a major boost for the sports development in the district.
Pandian visited the VSS stadium and interacted with the players. Being a sportsperson, he used to study in Sports hostel. He shared his experience with the players. He played cricket with the players and players were excited and motivated to see Kartik Pandian playing with them in the field.
Later,Kartik Pandian discussed with the Director and senior doctors and staff regarding the development of the Veer Surendar Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR).
In the first phase it was decided that Mother and Child health care facilities (O&G, Paediatrics) would be given priority with 700-bed hospital. The hostel campus will be taken up for development along with sports complex. The residences for the staff will also be prioritised.
In the initial phase, the facilities will be developed with the project cost of Rs 1000 crores. A master plan will be prepared for the overall development of the campus in various phases, as per the availability of land.
He reviewed the project for the development of birthplace of Veer Surendar Sai at Khinda. He directed the officials to expedite the work progress.
Pandian visited Maa Samaleswari Temple. He interacted with the pilgrims and took their feedback on the new facilities. The pilgrims expressed their happiness regarding the development under the Samalei project.
