Bhubaneswar: Former Supreme Court judge and Oversight Authority of the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC), Justice Anang Kumar Patnaik, embarked on a two-day visit to Sundargarh district to review various development projects funded by OMBADC and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
On Thursday, Justice Patnaik toured several projects in Bargaon and Sundargarh Sadar blocks. His visit began at the Community Health Center (CHC) in Bargaon, where he evaluated the outpatient department (OPD) and other health infrastructure developed with OMBADC funds. Engaging with officials and patients, he assessed how these facilities are enhancing healthcare delivery for the local population.
Given Sundargarh’s reputation as the hockey hub of India, Justice Patnaik also inspected the sports infrastructure at the Hockey Training Centre in Sahajbahal, Bargaon block. He interacted with young athletes, encouraging them in their aspirations to excel at national and international levels.
To promote sustainable livelihoods, goat and chicken rearing initiatives have been introduced in the district. Justice Patnaik met with beneficiaries in Phulbari village, discussing how these projects have positively impacted their lives.
At the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Kirei, Justice Patnaik inaugurated an ICT Centre and a Common Facilitation Centre for local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. These facilities were established with OMBADC funding and technical assistance from the Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT). He engaged with beneficiaries to understand the support they receive from these centers.
Justice Patnaik also visited the District Headquarters Hospital in Sundargarh to review patient care facilities and the District Training Unit. Additionally, he toured the Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC), observing the modern facilities available for differently-abled individuals and those needing post-trauma rehabilitation, while interacting with ARC officials.
In the evening, Justice Patnaik attended a review meeting at Sadbhavna Bhawan in the District Magistrate’s office. He discussed the progress of various development projects with departmental officials and urged senior officials to adhere to project deadlines. He commended the district administration for the effective implementation of OMBADC-supported projects in Sundargarh.
The meeting was attended by Collector Sundargarh Dr. Parag H. Gavali, CEO OMBADC G. Rajesh, OSD to Oversight Authority Sheikh Naimuddin, Chief Development Officer-Cum-Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad Sundargarh Dukhabandhu Nayak, CEO DMF Sundargarh Sushma Bilung, GM Operation OMBADC Jayant Das, and Team Leader Ambuj Prasad, among other senior officials from various departments.
On the second day of his visit, Justice Patnaik visited the Spirulina Chikki Production Unit in Rangadhipa. He interacted with members of the Women Self Help Group working at the unit and discussed the impact on their livelihoods. He then reviewed the drinking water project under the Drink From Tap mission and the Basic Tasar Seed Station in the district. Justice Patnaik also toured the site designated for the Tribal Research and Development Centre to be established in Amlipali.
Justice Patnaik’s visit underscored the commitment to enhancing infrastructure and livelihoods in mineral-bearing areas, ensuring sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents in Sundargarh district.
