Rourkela: On the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha Kartik Pandian reviewed the progress of various development works in Sundargarh and interacted with the people during his two day visit to the district, which culminated Thursday.
Along with the Goddess Samaleswari temple developmental project, he also reviewed the progress of works at other major temples like Vedvyas in Rourkela, Shiv temple at Ghoghar and Shiv temple at Belsara.
At Rajgangpur, Pandian reviewed the progress in the construction of a railway over bridge (RoB) which is being built at a cost of `48.11 crore. The project, which was a long-standing demand, was pending for the last 10 years.
During one of his previous visits to the district, residents had requested him to expedite the project. Following his personal intervention which resulted in solving the long-standing land acquisition for the project, and redressal of some other issues the project finally took off.
Later, he reviewed the progress of other development projects in the district, including the mega piped water supply projects at Kutra, Rajgangpur, Gurundia, Lahunipada, Koida, Nuagaon and Kuarmunda blocks. Besides, progress and bottlenecks in some of the important bridges in the district was reviewed.
He also took special interest in the progress of the laying of the synthetic turf for hockey training centres at Kuarmunda, Nuagaon and Bisra blocks. Some of the major projects were taken up in Sundargarh following the previous visit of Pandian to the district in March 2023 when he attended various public grievances meetings and took the necessary feedback.
During interaction with people, Pandian said in 2019, the FIH (International Hockey Federation) announced the Hockey World Cup 2023 to be held again in Odisha. “Chief Minister sir insisted on second host venue at Rourkela,” Panndian.
He said, “While Bhubaneswar is the state capital, Rourkela is the Hockey capital of Odisha. FIH expressed concerns that there is no hockey stadium, no hotels and no airport in Rourkela and chief minister sir said we are committed and we will get it done.”
In spite of COVID challenge and delays, the stadium, 225 room accommodation and airport were constructed in record time. He said, “Hon’ble chief minister has named the stadium after the legendary Birsa Munda as a token of respect towards his contribution in the freedom struggle.”
The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium was constructed in record 15 months time and also entered the Guiness Book of Records for being the largest seated hockey stadium in the world. “This is a tribute to Sundargarh for its contribution towards hockey in India, the chief minister had said,” he informed.
During the day, he interacted with the public in Rajgangpur, Nuagaon and Bonai block and received the grievances on various issues and assured early resolution.
PNN