Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a total of 47 developmental projects worth nearly Rs 194 crore during a programme held at the Mini Stadium premises in Naktideul block of Sambalpur district. Of these projects, 16 were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for the remaining ones.
Focus on Regional Development
The projects are aimed at accelerating the overall development of the Naktideul, Rairakhol, and Jujumura regions, with a major focus on healthcare, tourism, sports infrastructure, drinking water, agriculture, and rural connectivity. Among the key initiatives is an eco-tourism project at Bhima Mandali, worth Rs 8.5 crore, for which the foundation stone was laid. Additionally, a new community health centre (CHC) at Naktideul, valued at Rs 16.5 crore, was launched.
Historical and Healthcare Significance
Highlighting the importance of Bhima Mandali, Pradhan stated that the area bears evidence of a human civilisation dating back nearly 10,000 to 20,000 years and would be developed with modern tourist amenities. The Union minister added that the new CHC would provide improved healthcare facilities to nearly 15,000 families in the Naktideul region. He also announced that a new mini stadium would be constructed at Naktideul at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore to encourage and nurture sporting talents.
Agricultural and Water Initiatives
Stating that Naktideul is predominantly an agrarian region, Pradhan said it has been included under the Centre's Aspirational Block Programme. Both the central and state governments are committed to ensuring social and economic development in the region, Pradhan said, adding that priority is being given to small irrigation projects and check dams to address water scarcity issues. Pradhan also requested Odisha Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik to ensure drinking water supply reaches villages in Naktideul and Rairakhol by 2027.
Dairy Farming and Education Push
He instructed the administration to arrange CSR funding support for a scheme to distribute 100 cows to promote dairy farming in the area. He also urged people to work towards taking Sambalpur district from second position to the top rank in Odisha in the education sector, stating that Odisha's development in education, healthcare, and economy would contribute significantly towards building a developed India by 2047.
