ANGUL/DHENKANAL : Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a slew of development projects in Angul and Dhenkanal districts during a one-day tour on Monday.
In the industrial district of Angul, Naveen initiated several key projects worth over `140 crore. The projects include water supply, road, health, education and bridges across the district. The two main projects launched by him include, roads linking to Angul-Kalamchuin and Kosala to Gopalprasad.
Addressing a gathering at Talcher, the Chief Minister said, “The sacrifice of Talcher for the nation is matchless. I am aware of their problems and have always made efforts to solve those issues.”
“For the Government, development is the key issue and we take care of people from all walks of life including Adivasis, dalits and old-aged. I will continue my work for overall development of the State,” said the Chief Minister. District Collector Anil Kumar Samal was present.
MPs Nagendra Pradhan and Tathagat Satpathy and all the MLAs of the district also attended the meeting. Pradhan said the Centre should hike minimum support price for farmers in the State and take steps regarding inter-linking Brahmani with Mahanadi.
The Chief Minister also attended a public meeting at Khamar where local BJD MLA Mahesh Sahu was present among others.
Earlier in the day, police detained 88 BJP and Congress leaders including former MP Rudra Narayan Pani, State BJP secretary Kalandi Samal and Asoke Mahanty. Pani was picked up by Khamar police and lodged in police station there. He was released after the Chief Minister left.
Meanwhile, BJP workers led by State BJP secretary Kalandi Samal paralysed all Government offices at Talcher protesting neglect of Talcher.
In Dhenkanal, 51 BJP and 14 Congress workers were arrested ahead of the CM’s visit. They include district BJP president Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan, Ramesh Chandra Samal and Niranjan Das. They were detained at local police station and later shifted to Sarang guest house.
Addressing a gathering at Mini Stadium in Dhenkanal, the Chief Minister said the State Government is making all efforts to make Odisha an empowered State. Odisha is a model State in implementing welfare programmes.
Earlier, he inaugurated several projects and launched welfare programmes including Chief Minister Sadak Yojana connecting Barda-Bhojdeipur village worth `90 lakh, anganwadi training centre constructed at `3.22 lakh and Biswanathpur-Saandapasi new road under Chief Minister Sadak Yojana. This apart, the Chief Minister gave away documents to beneficiaries of several programmes under Biju Pucca Ghara and Nirman Shramik Pension Yojana.
Speaking about the Make in Odisha conclave to be held on November 30, he hoped that it would be a success and reiterated that Odisha will be an empowered State soon.
Earlier, he inaugurated several schemes and projects at Parjang.
Among others, Dhenkanal MP Tathagat Satpathy, Dhenkanal MLA Saroj Kumar Samal, Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik, Zilla Parishad president Binodini Samal and other district officials were present.