Chief Secretary AP Padhi on Saturday reviewed implementation of various projects under the District Mineral Funds and advised concerned districts to undertake mega piped water projects with the fund.
Padhi advised Collectors to prepare projects in advance for over one-and-a-half time more funds available with them. The district Collectors said they have emphasised on taking up drinking water and healthcare projects with the DMF. However, the Chief Secretary advised them to do away with establishing small tube-wells and, instead to undertake mega piped water projects.
Planning and Convergence Special Secretary Debendra Kumar Jena presented updates regarding project approvals and implementation.
It was revealed that a total of Rs 4648.85 crore has been collected as DMF by different mineral-rich districts by May-end. Of this, Rs 3,187 crore has been sanctioned for 7,764 projects in different sectors.
Among others, Forests and Environment ACS Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Finance ACS Tuhinkant Pandey, Water Resources Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh and Works Secretary Nalinikant Pradhan were present.