Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday laid foundation for 19 Instream Storage Structures in 13 districts of the state for which Rs 4,600 crore would be spent by the government.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone virtually. The projects are being taken up in the districts of Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Khurda, Puri, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Sundergarh districts.
People of these districts attended the event virtually with enthusiasm. More than 15,000 people, including 10,000 women farmers were present in Kendrapada, an official release said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that farmers will be greatly benefited by this project. Especially, it will helpful in the field of drinking water supply. It will also help in fish farming, animal husbandry etc. The project will increase the groundwater level and balance the environment.
Such projects are very important for our sustainable development. Besides, these projects will also help in flood control, he said.
The Chief Minister said that in 2020, the plan for instream storage was started with Rs 11,700. So far, programmes have been prepared for 72 projects in 3 phases.
The programmes are undertaken on the basis of public opinion and public participation.
During the visit of 5T chairman to different districts, proposals for such a project were received from people. All these projects are being implemented with the suggestions and opinions of the people, the CM said.
The inter-river wetland project is a significant program undertaken in the 5T initiative. Emphasis is laid on the application of technology and timely completion of the projects. No people will be displaced by this project, Patnaik asserted.
Highlighting the various measures taken for the welfare of farmers in the state, the Chief Minister said that this project is aimed at the development of farmers and the protection of the environment.
“Our programs like Kalia Yojana, interest-free loan facility for farmers, payment of crop insurance premium have boosted the confidence of farmers in the state. If the farmers prosper, the state will prosper. We are working for their betterment and will continue to work in the coming days,” he said.
Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu who was present in Balangir, said that the Chief Minister is determined for the betterment of the farmers.
Minister of Food Supply Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak was present in Kendrapara’s Mahakalapada. He said that the Chief Minister has always given importance to the development of Kendrapara. Not only this project, but many others are being implemented in the district. Nayak thanked the Chief Minister and 5T chairman for the Arcelor Mittal project.
5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian said that Chief Minister is undertaking projects for the improvement in all parts of the state. He expressed his gratitude to the people for their continuous support to the welfare projects.
