Keonjhar: The Odisha government will ensure “Drink From Tap” at a cost of Rs 175 crore in all urban local bodies (ULBs) of Keonjhar district.
This was announced by secretary (5T) on the first day of his visit to the district on Saturday. The secretary visited the water treatment plant site at Champua NAC where he was briefed about the progress of the ‘Drink from Tap’ project. He announced that the project will be commissioned in one month.
He further assured that the ‘Rural Mega Piped Water Supply’ project would be completed within the stipulated timeline this year. He instructed the officials to expedite any pending work.
Later, he addressed a public meeting at Nehru Stadium, where he acknowledged the demand for floodlights and committed to meet the requirement within seven days. Additionally, he assured that the concerns regarding farmers and drinking water would be promptly addressed.
On his first stop at Bhimkund in Patna Block, Pandian conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing project works and outlined plans to develop Bhimkund as a world-class tourist spot. He directed the authorities to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Then he proceeded to Barbil, where he visited the Community Health Center (CHC), where he inspected the ongoing works of the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre and Dialysis Centre. Expressing his satisfaction, he noted that the facility was effectively catering to the needs of mothers and patients, even from neighboring state Jharkhand.
He also inspected the Barbil Ring Road project which is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1440 crore. The project will help reduce truck movement and reduce pollution. He directed the authorities to complete the project in time.
Later, Pandian visited Serenda in Joda block and met Tulasi Munda and the students of Adivasi Vikas Samiti. Highlighting the government’s commitment to education, he announced that the government would bear the academic costs for 900 students of the Samiti.
He also inspected Joda fly-over and reviewed the progress of its work. With a length 2,980 metre, it will be the longest fly-over in the state. It is constructed by Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation at a cost of Rs 240 crore.
Managing Director, OB&CC explained the details of the project, the technicalities and various constraints, which have been overcome with the help of the district administration and cooperation of the local public. He informed that the project is targeted to be completed by December 31.
Continuing the visit, the 5T secretary paid a visit to the Old Age Home in Joda, where 50 elderly persons are currently residing.
Pandian also visited the Kanpur Irrigation Project (KIP) site, the OSME Campus in Keonjhar town, the site near DD University, the ‘Mission Shakti’ Cafe at Keonjhar Collectorate, the Handball stadium, the Baldevjew Temple and the Hadabandha Tank. In all these places, he reviewed the ongoing development works.
Sports Secretary Vineel Krishna and Keonjhar collector accompanied him during the visit.
