Bargarh: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday inaugurated 62 projects worth Rs 2149 crore in Bargarh district.
During a visit to the western Odisha district, the Chief Minister also laid foundation stone of 21 different projects to be implemented at a cost of Rs 263.33 crore at a function organised at Kanapali in Bijepur area.
The projects inaugurated by the CM included the ambitious Gangadhar Meher Irrigation project implemented at a cost of Rs 1677.42 crore. The project is considered a historic step taken in the state to boost irrigation in a significant way.
The inaugurated projects also included a 100-bed Cancer Care Centre build at a cost of Rs 106.06 crore. The centre with modern facilities and housed in a five-story building will prove to be a boon for cancer patients in the region.
The CM also unveiled redevelopment work at Nrusinghanath Peeth readied at a cost of Rs 22.78 crore for the benefit of devotees and tourists.
Work on Sohela-Nuapada Biju Expressway and 37 high school conversions have also been completed. This apart, 56 colleges have been converted into modern education systems, five healthcare institutions have been converted into ‘Ama Hospitals’, ‘Ama Bank’ facilities have been provided to 185 un-banked gram panchayats, 262 bus stops constructed under the Lakshmi Yojana, 431 Kalyan Mandaps, community centers, and religious places have been transformed under the Chief Minister’s special assistance. A total of 3,355 projects are being implemented in the district.
Unveiling the irrigation project, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the poet Gangadhar Meher and the great freedom fighter Maa Parvatigiri. He said Bargarh is the land of art and culture. The weavers of this region have illuminated Odisha’s identity across the world. He also spoke about an increase in the pension of weavers and artists.
Stating that a transformation Mahotsav is underway across the state, he said the Parikrama project of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath and Maa Samlei project have delighted the devotees. The conversion of the famous Narasinghath Peeth which was inaugurated today will also enhance the glory of Odisha, the CM said.
Referring to the ongoing transformation work under the 5T initiative in the state, the Chief Minister said, “We have achieved success in the transformation of high schools under this transformation program. The Biju Health Welfare Yojana is a blessing for 4 crore people of Odisha. The Lakshmi Bus Yojana has made life easier for the people in the villages. Major irrigation projects are being completed on time,” he said, adding, “Today, Odisha is supplying food to the entire country through the public distribution system.” He said that the farmers of Bargarh district have contributed a lot. Odisha’s reputation is growing in the field of sports too.
He said that badminton star Pramod Bhagat has made a special contribution to that.
“I had promised a cancer hospital in Bargarh. Today I have fulfilled that. It will provide better services to the patients in west Odisha,” he said.
Altogether 11 cancer hospitals are being built across the state under the 5T initiative. More than Rs 1000 crore will be spent on this, said Naveen.
Today, the supply of water to the farmers’ fields in the district has started through the Gangadhar Meher irrigation project. More than 60,000 acres of land in the district will get water through this project. He said that the project will especially benefit the farmers of Sohela, Bijepur, Barpali, and Dunguripali blocks of the district.
The Chief Minister further said, “Interest-free loans are being given to the farmers, Mission Shakti members, and the youths. Nua-O scholarships have spread hope among college students. He said that with the cooperation of all, there has been a change in Odisha today, and this trend will continue further. We will build a new Odisha together.”
Participating in the programme, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian said that when the Chief Minister announced the Gangadhar Meher Project, many people raised doubts about it.
Bijepur is located at a height of 35 meters from Hirakud Dam. But removing all doubts, the Chief Minister has made it successful by applying modern technology with strong willpower. Today, thousands of acres of land have been piped from the river.
