Keonjhar: Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Urban Development & Housing, and Commerce & Transport departments, visited Keonjhar district on Saturday to review key urban development and transport-related works.
Padhee, who went to Keonjhar on a directive from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, began her visit with an inspection of Sponge Colony under Ward No. 9 of Keonjhar Municipality, an area which has been facing persistent waterlogging and drainage issues for several years.
Padhee, who was accompanied by senior officials from WATCO and the district administration, assessed the causes of the problem and explored possible engineering and administrative solutions.
She interacted with local residents and assured them of early redressal, requesting them to extend cooperation so that remedial measures could be effectively implementated.
Thereafter, Padhee visited the government bus stand and the municipal bus stand operated by the Odisha State Transport Corporation (OSTC). She reviewed facilities available for commuters, assessed infrastructure gaps, and held discussions with OSTC managers and regional transport officers to streamline services and address operational challenges.
The Principal Secretary chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the District Collector, Project Director of District Urban Development Authority, and executive officers of all urban local bodies in the district.
Taking stock of the progress of various urban and transport projects, she stressed on the need for accelerated implementation.
Padhee directed officials to take urgent measures to resolve drainage and waterlogging issues across the district, so that citizens don’t face hardships during the monsoon season.
