Odisha Fast-Tracks Work To Make Malkangiri Airport Operational By Jan 2024, DHH Under Mo Hospital

Bhubaneswar: Secretary to CM-Transformational Initiatives (5T) V K Pandian on Wednesday directed for speeding up work to meet the dateline for making Kotelguda airstrip in Odisha’s Malkangiri district functional by January 2024.

He oversaw the construction work of air strip, terminal building and guesthouse, an official release said.

During the second day of his visit to the district, the 5T secretary reviewed the ongoing laying of cable over Gurupriya Bridge. This cable will connect Sub-station at Badapad with 33 KV line. He directed the OPTCL officers to speed up the work and complete the project at the earliest.

At the district headquarter hospital, he lauded the Malkangiri administration and hospital management for winning Kayakalp Award for two consecutive years. He said the hospital will be taken up under Mo Hospital.

Pandian also visited Malikeswar Temple at Malkangiri and directed to prepare a DPR for submission to the Chief Minister for beautification and all round development of the shrine.

At Chitrakonda, he visited the Mission Shakti Café maintained by Gurupriya BLF and appreciated the SHG members for its maintenance and beautification. He also visited the Boys High School there, which was taken up under Transformation of High School under 5T initiatives in the 1st phase, and saw the Atal Tinkering Lab installed at the school.

He proceeded to Manyamkonda and visited the cave of Lord Kanamraj, Balaraj, Potraj and Maa Mutyalama, where Bada Yatra is celebrated every two years. Sincelakhs of pilgrims from the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh throng the place, Pandian directed to submit the proposal for further development of the cave and its surroundings.

He also directed to submit a plan of action for the development of Mugi Point at Motu, the tri-junction of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The 5T secretary then visited the SAATHI Centre at Kalimela. This institution was established to provide library, indoor sports facilities and skill development for the local youth. He also heard the grievances of general public. He also visited the Mission Shakti Café maintained by Dharitri Block Level Functionaries and Tama Dora Park there.

On his way back to Malkangiri, he interacted with the committee members of Hari Chand Ashram and Nara Narayan Ashram at Potteru for further development before proceeding to District Library to hear the grievances of general public.

Pandian was accompanied by Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports & Youth Services, R. Vineel Krishna and Malkangiri Collector Vishal Singh.