Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday attended the concluding evening of the vibrant Ghumura Mahotsav in Kalahandi district, immersing himself in the region’s rich art, culture, and traditions.
The festival, a grand celebration of Kalahandi’s heritage centered around the iconic Ghumura dance and folk traditions, provided the perfect backdrop for the CM to announce a major boost to the district’s development.
Describing Kalahandi as one of Odisha’s richest cultural regions — filled with emotion, courage, stability, self-respect, and pride — the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to holistic and balanced progress across the state.
“Our government is constantly striving for the holistic and balanced development of the state,” he stated, highlighting efforts to remove regional discrimination and empower every section of society.During the event, CM Majhi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a total of 3,612 projects valued at more than Rs 891 crore. Of these, 971 projects worth over Rs 193 crore were dedicated to the public, while the foundation stones were laid for 2,641 new projects amounting to more than Rs 698 crore. These initiatives are expected to elevate education, healthcare, and economic growth in the district, bringing transformative infrastructure improvements.
In a significant announcement, the CM revealed that work on the ambitious Utei Rawal Irrigation Project, estimated at Rs 3,325 crore, will commence soon. This major irrigation scheme aims to enhance water availability for agriculture in the region.Additionally, the area spanning from Kalahandi to Nabarangpur will be developed into a dedicated Cotton Production Cluster, positioning the region as a key hub for cotton cultivation and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
CM Majhi also shared plans for a grievance hearing program to be held in Bhawanipatna, ensuring direct engagement with local residents. Expressing optimism for the district’s future, the Chief Minister declared: “With everyone’s cooperation, Kalahandi will be ranked number one in the state in the field of agriculture.”
He urged farmers to contribute to this goal, noting recent increases in farmer registrations as a positive sign. On the spiritual side, CM Majhi visited the sacred shrine of Adhishtri Devi Maa Manikeswari, the presiding deity of Kalahandi, where he prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and welfare of the entire state.
“With the immense mercy of Maa Manikeswari and your endless support, we will make Kalahandi a leading chariot in the path of development of Odisha,” he stated on X.
The Chief Minister dedicated his efforts to realizing the vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047, pledging continued service to the people.
