BERHAMPUR: Odisha Government is determined to work for the welfare and protection of fishermen community, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after dedicating the fish landing centre at Markandi, about 20 kms from here on Monday. The centre has been constructed at a cost `4.99 crore.
Addressing a gathering at Markandi, Naveen said the State Government is determined to develop Odisha and several steps have been taken in this direction, particularly for the poor and women. Similar steps have been taken to provide sources of earning, shelter and education facilities for children of fishermen community.
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Pradeep Maharathy, who accompanied the Chief Minister, said it has been decided to construct 72 such fish landing centres in the State and the Markandi centre is the first one. The jetty will benefit over 800 fishermen families in the vicinity.
Among others, Fisheries Director Bijayketan Upadhyay, Deputy Director Siba Prasad Bhoi, Berhampur MP Siddhant Mahapatra and MLAs of Ganjam district were present. Naveen also distributed fisheries assistance to five beneficiaries under different schemes.
During his one-day visit to the district, the Chief Minister inaugurated OPD of Seragada CHC which has been constructed at a cost of `60.61 lakh and distributed assistance among beneficiaries of various schemes.
He inaugurated panchayat building at Dhabalpur, anganwadi centres at Govindapur, Thuruburai, K Gangadharpur and new building of PHC at Alarigada, drinking water swamp and piped water supply project in Hinjili town.
In the City, Naveen inaugurated District Inspector of Schools building constructed at a cost of `1.46 crore and laid foundation stone for construction of six park. He also inaugurated the newly constructed academic block, laboratory complex and four hostels for under-graduate and post-graduate students in MKCGMCH premises. Later, he participated in the BJD padyatra at Kamapalli.
Despite massive police arrangements, some Congress workers attempted to show black flags to the Chief Minister in the city but were overpowered by police. Apart from police, NCC cadets were also deployed at DI of schools. Among them, a cadet fainted due to the scorching heat.