Bhubaneswar: On instructions of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Secretary to CM (5T), VK Pandian visited Cuttack and reviewed the progress of the transformation of SCB (Srirama Chandra Bhanja) Medical College and Hospital into a world-class hospital.
SCBMCH, Cuttack has earned the reputation of a reliable medical center not only for the people of Odisha, but also for the people of the surrounding states. Hence the need to develop state-of-the-art medical facilities was felt along with the transformation of this huge institution built in less than 75 years. The state government is working to provide AIIMS Plus facilities to the patients through the transformation of the prestigious Medical College at a cost of Rs 3,500 crore on 175 acres of land.
Chief Minister Patnaik’s visionary plan to develop the Medical College as an institution of excellence in the field of education, medical services and research is about to be realized. Pandian reviewed the progress of the construction work and emphasized on the completion of the project within the specified time frame with quality standards of construction work.
The 5T Secretary directed to complete the construction of newly constructed clinical blocks 1 and 4 by December 2023. He also advised continuing the construction of other blocks. He ordered the early start of Dharmasala and budget hotels to accommodate the relatives of the patients. Along with this, he ordered to start the work of commercial complex near Ranihat Chowk soon.
Thirteen Residential Blocks will be built for the accommodation of the faculty, doctors, and other staff of the Medical College & Hospital. Pandian ordered to start the work of all the residential blocks immediately and complete them by December 2023. Along with this, he ordered to complete the work of SCB Public School by March 2023.
Pandian was accompanied by Finance Department’s Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, Central Division Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Suresh Chandra Dalai, Cuttack Collector, authorities from the CMC, and senior officials of SCB Medical College & Hospital.
Later, Pandian reviewed the progress of the Taladanda Canal renovation and beautification project. Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) is constructing an Urban Haat for the street vendors so that they do not sit on the banks of the canal. Pandian directed to complete this work by December 2022.
He directed to keep Buffer Zone in view of future parking requirements. He suggested taking more land from the railways for parking large goods carrying vehicles. He warned the local people and street vendors not to throw garbage in the Taladanda Canal and ordered to immediately relocate all the electricity substations, water pipes and sewage pipes along the canal road.
Pandian suggested to develop the 3.5 km long Taladanda Canal road crossing the National Highway 16 to the end of Cuttack city. He also suggested to widen the connecting roads near the bridges in different places. He emphasized on the conservation and development of the wetlands near the railway land. Apart from this, Pandian expressed the view that the landscaping, maintenance and cleanliness of Canal Road is of utmost importance. It is worth noting that the landscaping of one and a half kilometer road from Jobra to Ranihat was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in October 2020.
Taladanda Canal has played an important role in irrigation, water transport and economic development in the past. It was developed by the East India Company in 1862 AD, so it has been decided to develop a museum and exhibition space to inform future generations about the historical importance of the Taladanda Canal. It will include photographs related to the history and current developments of the Taladanda Canal.
