Bhubaneswar: Twenty-five major development projects in Nayagada district were reviewed at a secretary-level meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg here on Tuesday, with emphasis on strengthening connectivity, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, education and livelihoods.
Nayagada District Collector Madhumita Rath, who joined the meeting virtually, presented a roadmap for implementing the projects under the initiative “Bikash Pathe Nayagada”, aimed at making the district more prosperous in line with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The projects cover various sectors, including roads, railway connectivity, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, tourism, heritage conservation, irrigation, industry and employment generation.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments, attended the meeting held at the conference hall of Kharavela Bhawan.
Rath highlighted the progress of ongoing and proposed projects and outlined measures to improve basic infrastructure and connectivity in the district.
The meeting discussed the upgrading of the Khordha-Nayagada National Highway, completion of the Khordha-Balangir railway line, construction of a helipad at Bhapur, expansion of mobile and internet connectivity across the district, improvement of traffic management systems and provision of drinking water to all.
Several projects aimed at strengthening healthcare, education and sports infrastructure were also discussed, including electricity grid substations at Dashapalla and Khandapada, a homeopathic college at Nayagada, a medical centre at Dashapalla and a hockey stadium at Ranpur.
The meeting also reviewed plans to boost tourism in the district. The proposals include developing the Neelamadhaba Temple as a world-class tourist destination, developing the Mahanadi riverfront at Kantilo, improving Kuansaria Garden and developing Kaliapalli village as a heritage tourism destination.
In the areas of industry and employment generation, the meeting discussed the establishment of a new sugar mill, a railway technology park at Dashapalla, agricultural warehousing infrastructure and a moong dal processing centre.
Projects aimed at strengthening irrigation and livelihoods included the Brutanga Irrigation Project, a new District Collectorate complex and Circuit House, a women’s empowerment and skill development centre, Gram Panchayat libraries and an agricultural entrepreneurship development centre.
The District Collector said the projects would help strengthen livelihoods, education, women’s empowerment and agricultural entrepreneurship in the district.
The meeting emphasised that the integrated development initiatives would provide fresh momentum to Nayagada’s connectivity, economy, tourism, agriculture, education, healthcare and livelihood sectors.
Following the presentation, the Chief Secretary and Secretaries of various departments offered suggestions on the implementation of the proposed projects.
The meeting also reviewed the state’s financial performance, with Garg directing departments to ensure that works progressed in accordance with budgetary provisions, increase revenue collection and improve the expenditure rate.
She also stressed the need for regular departmental reviews to ensure effective utilisation of funds and timely implementation of projects.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed compliance with orders of the Supreme Court and High Court and stressed the need for their speedy and effective implementation.
The Law Department highlighted the importance of reducing contempt cases through timely compliance, preventing unnecessary delays and fixing responsibility for lapses.
Garg also reviewed the major achievements and progress made in various sectors during September and October so far, including tourism, industry and investment, environmental protection, women’s empowerment, skill development, employment, agriculture and education.
She highlighted significant investment interest generated during the recently held Odisha Travel Bazaar, proposed investments of more than Rs 2 lakh crore during the UAE visit, approval of 27 major industrial projects by the High-Level Clearance Authority and achievements in environmental protection and plantation.
The meeting also noted the distribution of appointment letters to more than 1,100 young people and financial assistance of over Rs 833 crore to more than 41 lakh farmers under the CM-KISAN scheme.
The contribution of various departments in managing the low-pressure system, depression and the resulting heavy rainfall and flood situation in the state during September was also appreciated at the meeting.
