Boudh: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday visited Boudh district and inaugurated a slew of developmental projects besides laying the foundation stones of several others.
According to official sources, the Chief Minister reached Kantamal in Boudh district at around 11.40 am and inaugurated 45 welfare projects, including four high-level bridges in Kantamal block, six road projects, and four girls’ hostels with 100 beds each worth Rs 116 crore.
He also laid the foundation stones of two bridges in Boudh and Kantamal blocks, six piped water supply projects, a road project and a 100-bedded hostel for ST and ST girl students worth Rs 310.59 crore.
The Chief Minister distributed assistance to the beneficiaries under various state government schemes and also addressed a large gathering at Ghantapda High School ground.
From Kantamal, the Patnaik left for the district headquarters, where he inaugurated 47 welfare projects worth Rs 76 crore, including four bridges in Boudh and Harabhanga, three road projects and 12 hostels.
He also laid the foundation stones of 28 projects worth Rs 467 crore, including five bridges, 13 road projects and five rural piped water supply projects. Later, he addressed a public meeting and provided financial assistance to the beneficiaries.
Later in the day, Patnaik visited Bhanjanagar block of Ganjam district and inaugurated three projects worth Rs 21.26 crore. A newly-built bus stand in Bhanjanagar, a special sub-jail and a town hall in Bhanjanagar were dedicated to the public on the occasion. Foundation stones for 24 projects worth Rs 86.69 crore were also laid by Patnaik.
The projects will augment civic amenities, road connectivity and strengthen flood protection in the block, official sources said.
In a related development, the Chief Minister is scheduled to visit Bargarh February 21 and address a farmers’ convention at Ichhapali. He will also lay foundation stones for projects worth Rs 2,000 crore, including the Gangadhar Meher Irrigation Project and Haldhar Nag Sambalpuri Language Research Centre.
PNN