Bhubaneswar: As per the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman V K Pandian visited Sundargarh on Wednesday and reviewed the progress of various development works in the district and interacted with general public.
Pandian reviewed major development projects including Mega Lift Irrigation Projects at Semina, Riughat, Khairidihi and Satara; Mega Piped water supply schemes; Instream storage structures; important bridges etc.
Some of the major projects have been taken up after the previous visit of Pandian to Sundargarh in March 2023, when he attended the grievance meetings and took feedback from the public.
During his interaction with public, the 5T Chairman narrated that in 2019, FIH (International Hockey Federation) announced the Hockey World Cup 2023 to be held again in Odisha. Chief Minister Patnaik insisted on second host venue at Rourkela, describing it as the Hockey capital of Odisha. FIH expressed concern that there is no hockey stadium, no hotels and no airport in Rourkela, but the CM said that we are committed and we will get it done.
Despite Covid challenge and delays, the stadium, 225 room accommodation and airport were constructed in record time. Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium was constructed in record 15 months and also achieved the Guiness book record for largest seated hockey stadium in the world. Chief Minister said that it was a tribute to Sundargarh for its contribution towards hockey in India.
Pandian attended meetings in Sundargarh Sadar and Balisankara block and received the grievances on various issues and assured early resolution.
