In a seminar organised by Kendujhar District Journalists’ Association here recently, representatives from different people’s forums, elected leaders and the district administration pledged to join hands together for the rapid development of the district.
The tribal dominated district has 75 per cent population below poverty line. In spite of rich mineral, forest, water and human resources, the highest revenue generating district has not witnessed any remarkable development for which human development indicators are found low, the speakers observed.
It was resolved in the seminar to initiate action to accelerate the construction of Kanpur Irrigation Project, proposed to irrigate 5 blocks in the district. The completion of NH-215 four -laning, double- laning of the Daitari-Banspani railway, Keonjhar town by pass, introduction of passenger trains and setting of mega steel plants were accorded highest priority. Association president Dhirendra Rout urged expediting of works for setting up of proposed medical college by Sahoyog foundation, 200-bed hospital by Essel Mining, OMC’s 100-bed medical and upgradation of Joda Central Hospital.
Champua MlA Jitu Patnaik and MP Jaswant Narayan Singh laguri stressed on proper utilisation of district mineral resources for the district’s development. Thousands of crores rupees collected for afforestation from mining companies can be utilised for plantation and forest regeneration, while the CSR and periphery development fund from mines and industries can be routed for the developmental projects, they said. Among others who spoke included TEMPl MD B Pravakaran, District Collector BP Sahoo, SP K Jalan, MlAs Hrusikesh Naik, Subarna Naik, social activists Sudarsan Das, Kiran Shankar Sahu, Dharitri Rout, Sebati Singh and Aswini Pattnaik.
Columnist Adhyapaka Biswaranjan, Industry and Mines Observer Editor Sirish Chandra Mohanty, Odisha Swabhiman Editor Pradeep Ku Das, Editor Sruti Sarbeswar Mishra, Samikhya Editor Dr Maheswar, Ranjan Pradhan and Gokulananda Pattnaik were felicitated by Minister Badri Narayan Patra, who attended as chief guest of the occasion.