Nagada needs more development: Odisha Food Commission

Jajpur: In his first visit to the non-descript Nagada village in the district which hogged headlines last year for the malnutrition deaths of 19 tribal children, Odisha Food Commission Chairman Ranglal Jamuda on Friday said that a lot of developmental works must be initiated by the State government for the economic upliftment of the locals.

“We can observe that the State government has taken measures for the holistic development of the region. But a lot more needs to be done to ensure villagers get urban facilities here,” Jamuda told media persons.

Jamuda, who reviewed the progress of several social welfare schemes in the area, was accompanied by Jajpur district Collector Ranjan Das, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and two other members of the Commission- former CBI Special Judge Manoj Kumar Panda and former MLA of Kendrapara Sipra Mallick.

Jamuda stated that malnutrition is yet to be completely eradicated in the cluster of villages comprising Lower Nagada, Middle Nagada and Upper Nagada.

Stressing on availability of potable water in the area he said, “Storage facilities for drinking water are needed in the region to prevent people from waterborne diseases.”

The official said he will submit the report to the State government soon.

On Wednesday, the chairman of Nagada Task Force and Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central division, AB Ota visited Nagada village. He inspected the ration being provided to the families under public distribution system, construction of three anganwadi buildings, drinking water facility and livelihood programmes being run there following the malnourishment deaths of children in the area.