Koraput District Mineral Foundation Finalizes Rs 100 Crore Development Blueprint
The Board of Trustees of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Koraput has officially sanctioned a comprehensive action plan for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, approving development projects valued at approximately Rs 100 crore. The meeting, held on Sunday, emphasized effective implementation and achieving saturation in core developmental sectors across the district.
Prioritizing Essential Services in Mining-Affected Areas
According to official sources, the newly approved plan places a strong emphasis on providing clean drinking water, enhancing healthcare facilities, improving primary education, and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Special attention is being directed toward villages that are directly impacted by mining activities, ensuring that these communities receive targeted support and resources.
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan detailed that the roadmap was formulated through an extensive two-year consultative process. Over Rs 600 crore worth of proposals from various parts of the district underwent rigorous evaluation in three distinct rounds, assessing both technical feasibility and potential impact. This was followed by meticulous scrutiny by the Board of Trustees to ensure alignment with overarching district-wide development goals.
Adopting a Saturation Model for Holistic Development
A pivotal aspect of this action plan is the adoption of a saturation model. Under this approach, high-priority zones will receive comprehensive coverage across all essential sectors, rather than implementing scattered or piecemeal interventions. Collector Mahajan explained, "Our aim is not just to create assets, but to ensure every core area is fully equipped with basic infrastructure and services."
Decentralized Decision-Making and Local Empowerment
Decentralized decision-making remains a cornerstone of the DMF's strategy. Every project included in the plan was thoroughly vetted and approved by gram sabhas following ground-level verification. This process ensures that local needs and priorities directly guide expenditure and project selection. "By moving from general planning to ground verification, we are ensuring that every rupee of DMF translates into real improvements in quality of life," Mahajan added.
Focus on Mining-Impacted Communities and Robust Monitoring
A significant portion of the allocated funds has been specifically earmarked for communities directly affected by mining operations. The focus areas include developing sustainable livelihood opportunities, upgrading health facilities, implementing drinking water schemes, and enhancing school infrastructure. To ensure accountability and timely execution, the district has established a stringent monitoring framework. "We will ensure timely completion and accountability so that the benefits reach the last mile," the collector affirmed.
Financial Allocations and Key Attendees
The district received Rs 84 crore from the DMF for the 2024-25 financial year, with an increased allocation of Rs 94 crore for 2025-26. The meeting was attended by senior district officials, Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, and the MLAs representing Koraput, Laxmipur, and Pottangi constituencies, underscoring the collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach to regional development.
