Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg conducted a comprehensive review of development works in Kandhamal district, focusing on sectors like tourism, education, health, and agriculture.
During her January visit, she had discussed solutions to pressing issues and explored the district’s potential, emphasizing tourism development in Daringbadi and other areas to boost local economy. Garg suggested enhancing facilities at Hill View Park, Nature Park, and Coffee Garden, and promoting integrated agriculture, including turmeric and strawberry cultivation.
She stressed improving packaging and marketing for forest products like honey and tamarind to support local livelihoods. District Collector Vedbhushan presented 25 major initiatives, including plans to improve digital connectivity, irrigation, and electricity supply. The meeting discussed expediting the Phulbani mega pipe irrigation project, connecting rural roads, and expanding the Kandhamal-Gajalbari road.
The review meeting held at the conference room in Lok Seva Bhavan was attended by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Home, Industries and Information and Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director, OPTCL, Secretaries and senior officers of various departments like Agriculture, Tourism, Education, Health, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities and Backward Classes, Welfare, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, Mission Shakti, etc. The Southern Zone Revenue Divisional Commissioner and District Collector, Kandhamal and other district level officers were present through virtual medium.
