JAJPUR : Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid foundation stones for at least 10 development projects in Sukinda valley area of Jajpur district. The projects include mega water supply project for Sukinda estimated at a cost of `34 crore, four-laning of Tomka and Mangalpur roads and 200-seat girls hostel at Deogan Ashram School.
The Chief Minister laid all foundation stones at one meeting venue at Kalaringatta in Sukinda Chromites valley, about 20 km from Nagada village, that hogged headlines for malnutrition deaths of 20 infants in three months.
The Chief Minister, however, did not visit the hilltop village, inhabited by around 500 primitive Juaang tribals. The village remains untouched by development even after the Government assured to provide all support and children continue to suffer from malnutrition.
Addressing a gathering, Naveen said rural development is one of the top priorities of his Government.
Reiterating his commitment to improve economic standards of the rural populace, Naveen said marketing of agriculture and farm produce was also his Government’s priority. Later, he distributed old-age pension and land patta among some beneficiaries of Sukinda.
Among others, MLAs Pritiranjan Ghadei, Pramila Malik, Pranab Balabantray, DRDA president S Mishra and local block chairperson Bhagabati Mahanta were present.