CM Naveen Patnaik on Friday inaugurated a three-day martyr Karunakar death anniversary programme at the Kolabira field here.
Patnaik hailed the role of Gond tribals in their freedom struggle against the Britishers. He said that Gond tribals are the most courageous and have culturally rich traditions.
Assuring to devise ways and means for upliftment of Kolabira fort, Patnaik said that necessary action will be taken in this regard soon. He further declared that a memorial for the martyrs will be constructed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated six projects built at Rs 11.82 crore and laid foundation of 14 other projects through videoconferencing. SSD Minister Ramesh Chandra Maghi, Bargarh MP Dr Pravas Singh, WODC Chairman Kishore Kumar Mohanty, former Brajrajnagar MLA Anup Kumar Sai, Pradesh Gond Samaj president Mahendra Naik were also present.
Pradesh Congress Committee working president and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Kishore Das with party workers had welcomed the Chief Minister at the VSS Airport.