Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday, besides inaugurating 11 new projects and laying the foundation stones of sixothers, also made here some important announcements, which are in line with the expectations of the people of Mayurbhanj district.

Patnaik was on a one-day visit to Mayurbhanj and was addressing a massive “Mission Shakti” women’s congregation at the local Chhow Padia, here at Baripada.

The announcements of the Chief Minister are viewed here in political circles as the BJD supremo’s carefully crafted Mayurbhanj package before the upcoming elections.

While addressing a large gathering of SHGs, Patnaik spoke of his Government’s efforts to develop the State in every possible way.

He inaugurated a high level bridge over the river Champa, a 50-bedded mother and child treatment centre at Udala, a 300-seated girls’ hostel at Baripada, a 400-seated girls’ hostel at Takatpur, high level bridges over the Jambhira river, Sone river and Budhabalanga river, three pipe water supply projects and a district Panchayat Resources Office at Baripada. He also laid the foundation-stones for high level bridges over rivers Budhabalanga and Ura, two pipe water supply projects at Badgudgudia and Dhatika, an irrigation project at Baldiha and riverbank protection dams at Rasgobindpur.

He gave away Rs 15,000 each to 20, 295 women SHGs and Rs 25 lakh each to 26 block level women Mahasanghas of the district.

Besides these, Patnaik made at least four important announcements. A ring road would be constructed to save Baripada from floods; the BPD Urban Cooperative Bank would be given financial assistance and be revived, takeover of the BPD Ayurvedic College to be considered and a Chhow Research Centre would be set up at Baripada, assured the CM.