Bhubaneswar: As per the directives of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, VK Pandian, the Chairman of Nabin Odisha and the head of the 5T initiative, conducted a visit to Mayurbhanj district today. During the visit, he assessed ongoing development projects, engaged with the local community, and interacted with students.
Pandian addressed students at the university ground in Baripada during the Nua-O program, encouraging them to actively participate in building a new Odisha. He emphasized the program’s role in providing opportunities for youth to showcase their talents, enhance their overall personalities, and achieve significant success in their pursuits.
Highlighting the importance of visionary teachers, Pandian drew parallels with the ancient guru-disciple tradition and stressed its impact on life’s success. Subsequently, he conducted a review of the Subarnarekha Irrigation Project in Mayurbhanj district, a Rs 10,210 crore initiative set to irrigate 2,70,900 acres of agricultural land. The first phase is slated for completion by May 2024, with the second phase following in June 2028.
Pandian also examined irrigation projects, including Deo, Sone Project of Udala, Khairi Bandhan Project, and Cluster Large Lift Irrigation Project, collectively investing Rs 3282 crore and aiming to irrigate 1,16,500 acres of land. He urged the expedited progress of these projects.
Additionally, Pandian reviewed several ongoing undertakings, such as the Budhabalanga flood protection embankment-cum-ring road in Baripada (Rs 154 crore), ghat road construction (Rs 72.63 crore), a large bridge over Budhabalanga River in Baripada (Rs 48 crore), the 650-bed Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital (Rs 306 crore), and a cancer hospital in Baripada (Rs 47.35 crore). He directed authorities to ensure the timely completion of all these projects. Pandian also revisited projects initiated since his previous visit to Mayurbhanj.
