Despite funds, projects delayed in Khordha; Odisha deputy CM, minister review situation

Why are projects in the Khordha district getting delayed despite the sanction of funds? Such question has now prompted Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Higher Education and Culture Department Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, MLA and other officials to visit various sites to assess the situation on ground zero.

The delegation led by Odisha Deputy CM visited the Barunei Pitha and Paika Rebellion memorial project sites. Former President of India Ramnath Kovind had laid the foundation stone for the Paika Memorial project way back in 2019. Similarly, the delegation also visited the Khordha fort and Atri hot spring.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Ministry of Culture has sanctioned Rs 100 crore and another Rs 100 crore by the Indian Oil Corporation for the Paika Memorial project. Similarly, funds will also be sanctioned for other projects, informed the Minister.

Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida said, “The delay in execution of projects was reviewed. The matter will be taken up at the Secretary-level meeting. The Tourism department and Indian Oil Foundation will prepare a DPR and the entire projects will be speeded up. We have visited several projects which are interlinked and there are plans to develop into a tourism corridor.”

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “In the Budget, CM has announced a corpus fund of Rs 200 for the Culture Department and Paika Rebellion Memorial is a component. There was a need to have a detailed review on what funds were sanctioned by tourism, Indian Oil provisions and requirements of the Culture department.”