Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched 9 projects of western Odisha through video conferencing while laying the foundation for 9 more projects.
While Rs 14.69 crore has been invested for the 9 projects that have been launched, the cost of the 9 projects for which the foundation was laid is Rs 33.68 crores. A total of Rs 48.37 crores is being invested in the projects.
Projects launched include the development of schools, kalyan mandaps, sports complexes and a millet processing project at Komna.
Similarly, among the projects for which the foundation was laid include eco-tourism, infrastructure, eco-parks, stadiums, handicraft malls etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Patnaik said that the State government has been emphasizing on development of western Odisha with the aim of eliminating regional disparities. He said around 40,000 projects have been completed through the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) since 2000.
Informing that the WODC’s annual grant has been increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore last year, the Chief Minister said that this has created an opportunity to take up more projects.
“We are giving special emphasis on agriculture, irrigation and industry along with infrastructure for the development of western Odisha. Along with this, special plans are being implemented for the development of tourism and handicrafts. Similarly, tourist destinations like Harishankar, Nrusinghanath and Maa Samlei temple are being developed,” he said.
Stating that the work on the western Odisha Corridor of Biju Expressway is going to be completed soon, Patnaik said that it will stimulate the economic process here.
A Special Initiative package for the industry will be announced at the upcoming Make-in-Odisha Conclave, he added.
The Chief Minister sought everyone’s cooperation to take the development journey further in western Odisha.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister unveiled a special logo and project monitoring dashboard of WODC.
Speaking on the occasion, Planning and Convergence Minister Rajendra Dholkia praised the vision and efforts of the Chief Minister for the development of western Odisha and highlighted the efforts of the Chief Minister to make Odisha a prominent State of the country through various development programmes of the state.
Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Development Commissioner P K Jena and Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian among others were present.
Chairman of WODC Asit Tripathi in his introductory note said that the Chief Minister has always emphasized the development of western Odisha and advised the Council accordingly.
Projects are being built keeping the Baseline Economic Data of each district of western Odisha and the availability of basic facilities in various regions. He said that WODC offices have been opened in every district of western Odisha.
CEO of WODC, Ajit Mishra gave the vote of thanks. Members of the State Cabinet, MPs and MLAs from western Odisha were present in this programme.
