Bhubaneswar: In its initiative to promote tourism in the state, the Odisha government has sought a plan to develop the Balidiha dam in Shanakhunta block of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district into a tourist spot.
On the second day of his visit to the district on Friday, Secretary to Chief Minister VK Pandian discussed with local citizens and panchayat members regarding the demand for developing the dam as a tourist spot. He asked the officials of Irrigation department to send a proposal accordingly. he also told them to examine the feasibility of a mega lift irrigation project at the dam site.
Pandian visited the site at Budhabalanga river to review the demand for construction of a flood protection embankment-cum-ring road. He instructed the officials of Irrigation department to prepare a proposal and send it to the government for approval.
During his visit to Chandanpur-Joka-Shankhabhanga-Bisoi road, he discussed the problems faced by the locals. They explained the traffic jam at Bangiriposi cut and sought an alternate road. He instructed Rural Works Department to submit a proposal at the earliest.
Pandian then visited the Jagannath Temple in Baripada and reviewed the renovation and other developmental works. He interacted with all stakeholders and assured them of all the support for the temple.
At the Baripada Stadium and the Sports Hostel, he took a review of the sports infrastructure and interacted with the players. He asked the district administration to provide all required support and facilities to the players and send a proposal for further improvement of sports infrastructure.
He also visited MKC High School in Baripada which has undergone transformation under 5T and interacted with students about the facilities. During his visit to PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada, he took stock of the facilities provided to the patients.
Then he visited the residence of Pandit Raghunath Murmu in Baripada and asked the district collector to submit a proposal for its preservation and development within one month.
The 5T secretary also went to Badjode panchayat in Baripada block and interacted with women SHG members of Guhaldihi Sabai Producer Group. Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Shalini Pandit and other senior officers accompanied him.
