Odisha model State in disaster management: Naveen Patnaik

BIJU Patnaik had started an industrial revolution from the soil of Paradip and crores of rupees have been invested here ever since which have improved the economic condition of the people, said Chief
BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik (File | PTI)
BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik (File | PTI)

PARADIP: BIJU Patnaik had started an industrial revolution from the soil of Paradip and crores of rupees have been invested here ever since which have improved the economic condition of the people, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Attending the birth centenary closing ceremony of Biju Patnaik as chief guest here on Sunday, Naveen said, “Biju babu was closely associated with Paradip because Paradip was his working place for development of the State. During the 1960s, he had initiated an era of industrialisation from the State’s resources.”.

Addressing a gathering at Biju Maidan, Naveen said different schemes introduced by the State Government have brought about an improvement in the lives of the people who have been affected by super cyclone in 1999. Odisha has emerged as a model State in the field of disaster management and social welfare activities, he added.

Paying tributes to his father, Naveen said: “Our Government is committed to work hard to fulfil the dreams of Biju babu. We are working on his ideology with the cooperation of the people of Odisha. All efforts have been made for the overall development of the State. The best tribute to him would be to join hands and work towards the progress of the State.” Earlier, Naveen also inaugurated a 50-foot high Biju Minar which has been constructed at a cost of `30 lakh and Biju Smruti Yatri Nivas at Biju Maidan. The Yatri Nivas, consisting of 52 rooms with conference and meeting halls, has been constructed at a cost of ` 3 crore.
Besides this, Biju Mahostav will continue for seven days till March 12. Pallishree Mela photo exhibition on Biju babu and other cultural events would be the major attractions.

Cooperation and Excise Minister Damodar Rout presided over the meeting. Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patasani, whose name was not in the invitation list, also delivered a speech on the occasion. Local MP Kulamani Samal, Collector Yamini Sarangi and Paradip Port Trust Chairman Rinkesh Ray were also present.
The event had its share of political hiccups. MP Bishnu Das was not invited to attend the programme due to intra-party conflict while other BJD legislators Prasant Muduli and Rajshree Mallick did not participate. Tourism Minister Ashok Panda skipped the meeting.

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