Top Odisha Secretaries Assess COVID Status & Development Works In Kalahandi

Bhubaneswar: How is Kalahandi district preparing for a possible 3rd wave of the COVID pandemic?

Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra and 5-T Secretary VK Pandian reviewed this during a visit to the district on Saturday. Kalahandi Collector Gavali Parag Harshad also briefed them about the current COVID situation in the district.

The two secretaries accompanied by senior officials also assessed several ongoing developmental projects in the district.

Utkela Airstrip

After landing at Utkela airstrip in Bhawanipatna, the Chief Secretary reviewed the ongoing development at the airstrip. Commercial flight operations from Bhawanipatna to Bhubaneswar and Raipur are expected to take off soon.

Medical College

Next, the team visited the site of a proposed medical college and hospital in Bhawanipatna. The 650-bed hospital is targeted to be completed by this December. The 5-T secretary directed the officials to ensure timely completion and quality control of the project.

Kesinga- Balangir 220 KV Line

The Kesinga-Balangir 220 KV line was reviewed in detail. The chief secretary directed the OPTCL and Forest officials to ensure early clearance of the way for completion of the stringing work.

Indravati Irrigation Project

The 5-T secretary discussed the impact of the newly inaugurated mega irrigation project on Indravati River. He asked collector to ensure that the irrigation water reaches all the beneficiaries.

The Sandul irrigation project at M Rampur and other mega lift irrigation projects in the district were also reviewed in detail.

New Bus Stand

The secretaries also reviewed the new bus stand project in Bhawanipatna. They directed the officials concerned to complete it within six months.

The collector was also directed to expedite the land acquisition and forest clearance for the Narla loco shed project.

School Visits

The team visited Town High School and BM High School in Bhawanipatna and interacted with the teachers, alumni and students. They also visited smart classrooms, science labs, e-library and toilets and expressed satisfaction over the present work status and advised proper maintenance of the facilities.

According to officials, 26 high schools in the district have been selected for a High School Transformation programme under the 5T initiative. SMDC members, alumni, teachers and students are participants in the programme.

MD NHM Shalini Pandit, Special Secretary to CM Vineel Krishna, Kalahandi SP Sarvana Vivek M, PD, DRDA Somesh Upadhayay and District Level Officials were present during the visit.