Bhubaneswar: Within 24 hours of 5T Secretary V K Pandian’s visit to Satabhaya Bagapatia settlement colony in Odiaha’s Kendrapada district, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sanctioned over Rs 22 crore for the development of the area.
The area will be developed as the country’s first rehabilitation colony for people affected by climate change. It will be a part of the state government’s Adarsha Colony initiative.
On the instruction of the Chief Minister, the 5T Secretary had visited Kendrapada for two days on April 27 and 28. During his visit, Pandian met the displaced people settled in the area, discussed their problems, and sought their views on the government’s plans for developing the area.
After he returned to Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister briefed about the requirements of the local people. Based on the feedback, the Chief Minister sanctioned a package of Rs 22,50,71,000 for the development of the rehabilitation colony.
The government will develope dams and fences, housing for the beneficiaries, livelihood programmes, roads, drinking water, electricity, and panchayat houses. In addition, it has been decided to provide the people at Satabhaya with agricultural land based on the needs of the people.
This apart, the Chief Minister has directed the state Tourism department to improve the infrastructure and beautify the famous Panchubarahi Peetha and develop it as a major tourist destination by organising a light and sound show.
The Chief Minister has given instruction to take up all these works under the 5T initiative and complete them within the stipulated time frame.
It is worth noting that due to the impact of climate change, affected people are being resettled in Bagapatia as the Satabhaya region has been submerged in the sea. This is the first colony in the country to resettle the people affected by climate change.
