Bolangir neglected by previous govt, Mahanadi dispute being taken up seriously, says Odisha CM Mohan Majhi

On his two-day visit to Bolangir district, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi rapped the previous government as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for developmental projects worth Rs 890 crore in the district. Addressing a public meeting, the CM cornered the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government for neglecting western Odisha, and Bolangir in particular.  

“This is the first visit to Bolangir and I feel the district has been utterly neglected. Although the district does not lack in leadership, it was not given its due importance,” the CM stated.

Inaugurating and laying foundation stones for a total of 83 projects including irrigation, health infrastructure, piped drinking water supply, bridge and road construction, the CM assured that the district would be given the topmost priority under his government.

“I have had a meeting with all the departments and steps will now be taken to give first and foremost priority to this district. I inaugurated and also laid the foundation stone of developmental projects worth over Rs 890 crore that will go a long way in the ‘vikas’ of the district,” the CM said.

The CM further said, “Due to lack of water, Bolangir remains dry most of the time. So, we have taken steps for proper irrigation facilities, check dams, deep borewells, pipe supply drinking water and better road and health infrastructure.”

“My main motive for visiting Bolangir is the construction of the Rs 300 crore Upper Lanth Irrigation Project in Belpada, which will benefit both Rabi and Kharif crops. Apart from the foundation stone laying, I have directed the construction work to begin soon and ensure timely completion. More than 38,000 farmers in 25 villages will benefit from the project. We have aim to build a hydropower project in the dam that will extract 210kw electricity,” the CM added.

Moreover, the state Cabinet has taken the decision to increase the MSP of paddy to Rs 3100/quintal. Likewise, our government will also provide Rs 10,000 to farmers under PM-Kisan and CM-Kisan Yojanas. he added.

On the Mahanadi dispute, CM Mohan Majhi said that the new government is taking up the matter seriously and already discussion has already been held with Chhattisgarh CM twice.