While the economic growth of Angul , Sambalpur and Deogarh districts widely depends upon infrastructure development and habitation planning, the present role of former Works Secretary Er Nalini Pradhan as a BJD leader is widely discussed among people.
During Pradhan's tenure as the Works Secretary, the State exchequer has spent a huge sum on several projects, including construction and renovation of roads, housing complexes and bridges, across the State.
Party sources said Pradhan is likely to be fielded as BJD’s Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur Parliamentary segment which is currently being held by BJD’s Nagendra Pradhan.
While welcoming Pradhan for his decision to lead a public life the Krushak Majdoor Sangha and the Citizen Action Forum acknowledged his important role for the massive infrastructure development of Odisha in general and Sambalpur, Angul and Deogarah districts in particular.
Pradhan has played a major role for approval of 99 more road projects worth Rs 900 crore in 12 Left-wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts to strengthen surface communication. The State Works Department has sent a list containing 97 roads and two bridges in the LWE-hit districts of Balangir, Bargarh, Deogarh, Sambalpur ,Boudh, Malkangiri, Koraput,Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nuapada .
This will be very much helpful to combat Maoists particularly in Sambabalpur - Angul- Deogarh area. Around 100 road projects were under construction as part of phases I and II of the Centre's road requirement plan. The proposed roads would boost connectivity in the Red-hit areas and accelerate development.
The projects assume significance as the State Government has given the highest priority to strengthening infrastructure in the LWE-hit districts. In view of this, the BJD high command is projecting the efforts of Pradhan for development of the area.
In Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal districts, while some BJD MLAs are facing anti-incumbency leading to emergence of BJP, the BJD high command is also seriously thinking for a change.
Krushak Majdoor Sangha secretary Ranjan Pradhan told that people of the area will be definitely benefitted with the service of the high-profile technocrat Pradhan.