Malkangiri: Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra has directed the officials to focus on infrastructure development and livelihood creation activities in all panchayats under Swabhiman Anchal of Chitrakonda in the district.
On the second day of his 2-day tour to Malkangiri on Friday, Mahapatra reviewed field level implementation of the Swabhiman Anchal special packages announced by chief minister Naveen Patnaik. It was first ever visit by any chief secretary to the erstwhile cut-off area through road.
He took stock of progress of the projects relating to horticulture, fishery, alternative livelihood for the inhabitants, enhancing income of the farmers, improvement of quality health care in medical, functioning of education and hostel complex, growth of eco-tourism, irrigation, electrification, road connectivity to all villages, and telecome connectivity.
It was revealed during the review meeting that a large section of population was engaged in fishing, forestry and horticulture activities. Seven telecom towers were operating in the area. All households in 9 panchayats of Swabhiman Anchal have been distributed mobile handsets. Around 99 percent of the area has been made free of naxal activities.
During his visit, Mahapatra saw developmental works and interacted with people at several places including horticulture farm at Chitrakonda, Eco Park at Chitrakonda, lift irrigation projects, progress of piped drinking water supply, and 33 KV power sub-station at Chitrakonda.
He also went to BSF camp and interacted with camp officials. He also discussed with people about road connectivity and service delivery in the area. Large number of people along with zilla parishad chairperson Somari Tangulu interacted with the chief secretary.
On the first day of his tour, Mahapatra looked into the high school transformation project in Madhusudan High school, Motu, and agricultural activities in deep borewell irrigation cluster at Potteru area. He also reviewed the progress of under construction bridge over the river Saberi connecting Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Sri Mahapatra also went to Mugi boarder line point and reviewed developmental activities there. He garlanded images of the grand forefathers of Odisha who led the people’s movement for formation of separate province of Odisha.
Additional District Magistrate Birasen Pradhan, Project Director DRDA Balmukund Bhuyan, Divisional Forest Officer Pratap Kottapali and senior district officers of Malkangiri accompanied the chief secretary during his visit.
