My Government has all along strived for development of poor people and backward region, including Balangir,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after commissioning the mega Gudvela lift irrigation project.
After commissioning of this project, thousands of farmers would be benefitted, asserted Patnaik, adding, “My Government has taken several steps to boost infrastructure facilities and irrigation of western Odisha.” Patnaik further said that for development of western Odisha a special package of Rs35,000 crore was announced out of which Rs8,000 crore would be spent on developments of irrigation facility.
Balangir MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo urged Pattnaik to look into the demand of setting up an agriculture university in Balangir, besides looking into the demands of Gram Rogjar Sahayaks (GRS) who are on strike.
Among others, Rajya Sabha member AU Singh Deo, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy and MSME Minister Jogendra Behera spoke. Police detained 13 persons, including three Congress activists, as a precautionary measure.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also held a public meeting in Kalahandi after inaugurating some projects.