BERHAMPUR: 5T secretary VK Pandian reviewed the progress of the ambitious Chheligada multipurpose project in Gajapati district on Wednesday. On the second day of his visit to the district, Pandian directed the officials concerned to speed up construction work of the mega project. After interacting with locals, he asked Gajapati collector Lingaraj Panda to take immediate steps to address the grievances of people displaced by the project.
The project is being implemented at Chheligada village in Gajapati’s R Udayagiri block at a cost of Rs 963.63 crore. As part of the project, a 1,280 metre long tunnel has already been dug. After completion, the project will irrigate 5,760 hectare of land in Ganjam and 500 hectare in Gajapati. Besides, 36 MW electricity will be produced through mini hydel project at Shiali Loti, Kankata and Dekili in Gajapati. A target has been set to complete the Chheligada project by 2025-2026.
Similarly, seven rehabilitation and resettlement colonies will be built for the affected people of 15 villages. So far, three colonies have been built and people have started living there. Pandian directed the administration to complete construction of the remaining four colonies at the earliest.
Later, the 5T secretary reviewed the bus stand work at Gumma and Parlakhemundi Bypass Road project. He also visited the under-construction new town hall. He informed that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has given approval to construct a cultural building in Parlakhemundi at a cost of Rs 5 crore.
Pandian held discussion with officials of Ramsagar and Krishnasagar minor irrigation projects. He interacted with the Mission Shakti members and visited a transformed high school in Gumma.Earlier in the morning, the 5T secretary visited the Jirang Buddhist monastery and held discussion with the monks and members of the Tibetan community.