Bhubaneswar: Odisha government plans to take up development of three major temples in Balangir district.
Secretary to chief minister (5T) VK Pandian directed the district administration to prepare a master plan for development of the temples on the second day of his visit to Balangir on Monday. He visited the Samalei Temple at Balangir, Jogeswar Temple at Loisingha and Ranipur Jharial temples at Bangomunda on the day.
He interacted with the servitors, trustee members and general public for development of temples and amenities for the devotees. After receiving suggestions on various aspects of transformation of the temples and related amenities, he issued the instruction to the administration.
Pandian reviewed the Lower Suktel irrigation project including its spillway and Scada controlled UGPL irrigation works which will irrigate around 1,00,000 acre of land in Balangir and Sonepur districts besides providing drinking water. The spillway is nearing completion and the impounding of water in the reservoir has started this season. The irrigation will be provided in phases starting from 2024.
He participated in the public grievances meetings at Loisingha and Gurunda playground in Muribahal. He visited Koshal Kala Mandal ground and instructed to prepare a DPR for development of the ground and other facilities.
Later, Pandian reviewed mega piped water supply projects under construction at a cost of Rs 482 crore for Agalpur, Loisingha, Puintala, Turekela, Bongamunda and Muribahal blocks. The projects will be operationalised in phases from 2025.
He also visited Jogisarda high school which was transformed under 5T HST programme in first phase. He interacted with teachers, students and SMC members and reviewed smart classrooms, e-library, science laboratory facilities.
The secretary interacted with Mission Shakti groups and assured them of government support for their activities. He emphasised that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has high priority for women empowerment and directed the collector to ensure that loan melas are organised in the panchayat level.
Special Secretary to CM R Vineel Krishna, IG Deepak Kumar, Balangir Collector Chanchal Rana, SP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo and other district officials accompanied him during the visit.
