Chief Minister Raman Singh on Wednesday reached district headquarter town Balod after attending welcome meetings at villages Dondi, Kusumkasa, Chikalkasa, Dallhirajhara and Gujra as a part of State-wide 'Vikas Yatra' on Tuesday evening.
He said that the picture of Balod had changed drastically after becoming district 6 years ago. The administrative facilities had reached at the doorstep of the citizens.
Singh dedicated, laid foundation stones and performed 'bhumi pujan' of 144 development works worth Rs 158 crore at various places in Balod district.
He also dedicated Balod-Dhamtari road laid at a cost of Rs 65 crore.
Singh also dedicated a bridge constructed at a cost of Rs 10.65 crore over river Tandula, near villages Sundara-Deveenawagaon.
The CM also distributed 'population lease' (Abaadi pattas) to about 38 804 families, domestic gas connections to 4,000 poor women under the PM Narendra Modi's 'Ujjwala' scheme and cycles, sewing machines and to 4K worker families.
He also announced that 'bhumi pujan' will held soon for the construction of 100-bed modern hospital at Dallhirajhara. 'Population lease' letters will be given to the poor Dallhirajhara soon.
He said that Co-operative Sugar factory had been established in the area after a request and demand of the sugarcane growers. The network of roads, supply of electricity, drinking water supply, education and health facilities and other infrastructure amenities are being developed at a brisk pace.
The CM said that the district will be developed at a faster pace in the coming days. The huge turnout of women, farmers and youth exhibits that the 'Vikas Yatras' are other form of 'Vishwaas Yatras'. They are like 'Theerth Yatras' and he is getting blessings of senior citizens, poor and farmers.
He revealed that development works worth Rs 30K cr are being gifted to the citizens of the State. Paddy bonus worth Rs 1700 crore is being distributed to the farmers.
Singh threw light on the various welfare schemes of the State and Central Govts. Water Resources Min Brijmohan Agrawal, Public Works Minister Rajesh Munat, MP Vikram Usendi and several prominent citizens were also present.