Sundargarh/Rourkela: Former Supreme Court Judge and Oversight Authority of Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC) Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik has appreciated the performance of welfare projects underway in Sundargarh district with financial support from OMBADC.
“People, especially in rural areas and the tribal population, have immensely benefitted from the OMBADC-aided projects. It is strengthening the livelihood of the masses. The projects have also enabled an overwhelming participation of women, especially in banana plantation and fish farming while empowering them financially,” said Justice Patnaik on completion of his three-day tour to the district to review the progress of OMBADC supported projects.
On the last day of his tour, Justice Patnaik visited the water treatment plant at Lalei in Lahunipara block. Afterwards, he interacted with the beneficiaries in the nearby villages to know whether they were properly receiving water through pipes. Under OMBADC, 11 mega piped water supply projects are being taken up in 17 blocks of the district.
He also reviewed the rainwater harvesting project at Lunga reserve forest in Daleisara village and interacted with the members of the Vana Surakshya Samiti (Forest Protection Committee).
During his field visit, Justice Patnaik took stock of various projects covering sectors like livelihood, drinking water, healthcare, mother and child development, education & skill development, environment preservation and tourism promotion activities undertaken in the district with financial assistance from OMBADC.
Sundargarh collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan gave a detailed presentation on various projects during a review meeting on first day.
CEO, OMBADC, G Rajesh, Officials on Special Duty (OSDs) Shaikh Naeemuddin and Dwipayan Patnaik and other officials accompanied Justice Patnaik during the visit. Senior officials of the district including Project Director, DRDA Bhairab Singh Patel, Bonai sub-collector Pradeep Dang and Deogarh DFO Magar Dhanaji R were also present.