In the first phase, about Rs 42.42 crore would be spent for the development of mine areas in Jharsuguda district. Management of funds, utilisation and responsibilities of the committee members were discussed at the first meeting of the District Mineral Foundation Trust held on Thursday at the Collectorate.
District Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Patnaik apprised the committee members about the modalities for the development of mines after necessary amendment of the MMDR Act, if necessary.
Bargarh MP Dr Pravas Singh and Brajrajnagar MlA Radharani Panda expressed their opinion for development of the living standards of the public with this fund. They also stressed for permanent solution of the drinking water problem of the district. Besides, issues like development of natural surroundings in the mine areas, plantation to reduce pollution, recharging ground water level were taken up for discussion.
The district Collector is the Chairman of the committee, while Bargarh MP, Brajrajnagar MlA along with other dignitaries were included as the members of the committee.