Projects worth Rs14, 990 crore were sanctioned for the mining districts in the State under the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC).
The approved projects included the projects of worth Rs 722.21 crore for supply of safe piped drinking water, Rs 2,896.40 crore for improving quality of education in primary and high schools and making the youths self dependent through skill training, Rs 2,943.53 crore for improving the health and nutrition service delivery at Anganwadi Centres, Rs 460.45 crore for enhancing livelihood options, Rs 742.55 crore for connecting the unconnected villages in mining area, Rs 24.75 crore for pollution control and Rs 701.14 crore for water conservation and ground water recharge.
This was known at a review meet held here by oversight authority of OMBADC Justice AK Patnaik, who expressed satisfaction over the quality and progress of the projects being implemented under the OMBADC.
Justice Patnaik reviewed progress of the projects over video conferencing in which Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena and Chief Executive Officer of OMBADC Uma Nanduri among others were present.
The review showed that around 95% of drinking water projects, 73% of solar power projects for schools, 66% of infrastructural development projects in residential schools, 50% of the up- gradation of health infrastructure projects and 51% of the rural connectivity projects were completed.
All other projects were on fast track for completion within the scheduled timeline. Besides, 1,235 youths were imparted skill development training out of which 713 were already placed in different companies. Four hostels were constructed for the youths taking skill training in two skill development centers.
Six ambulances, nine life support ambulances and nine bike ambulances have been put to service in mining areas. Improved pisciculture has been done over a total area of 235.32 acres involving women self help groups (WSHGs). In livelihood sector, 565 broiler units and 398 goat farming units have been set up. The new fishery ponds have been excavated over 33.20 hectares. Livelihood promotion through forestry has been taken up involving 999 VSSs. All other livelihood promotion projects in different sectors for the people of mining affected areas have been put on track
On the occasion, Sundargarh district was conferred with the Best Performing District award and Rural Development department was awarded the Best Perfuming Department in OMBADC.