Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up efforts to accelerate industrial infrastructure projects across the State, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg directing departments and agencies to resolve implementation hurdles and complete pending works within defined timelines.
Garg issued the directions while chairing a meeting of the Task Force Committee constituted by the Industries Department to review the progress of infrastructure projects supporting the industrial sector at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday.
The meeting reviewed the status of major industrial infrastructure and highway projects and examined issues affecting their timely execution. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for coordinated action by all concerned departments and agencies to prevent delays in projects considered critical for industrial growth.
Focus on clearing project bottlenecks
Land acquisition, power infrastructure, administrative clearances and other approvals emerged as key areas requiring faster action. Garg directed the concerned departments, IDCO and district administrations to work together on a priority basis to address bottlenecks and facilitate smooth project execution.
Issues relating to power supply, road connectivity, water availability and statutory clearances for project sites were also discussed. The Chief Secretary called for expediting the necessary approvals and ensuring that pending works are completed within stipulated deadlines.
She further directed officials to hold project-specific discussions with concerned Secretaries, District Collectors and representatives of industrial organisations to identify unresolved issues and establish clear timelines for their resolution.
Coordinated approach for faster execution
The meeting emphasised the need for closer coordination between the State government, district administrations, infrastructure agencies and industries to ensure that projects do not face prolonged delays due to pending clearances or infrastructure gaps.
Officials were asked to monitor the progress of individual projects and ensure that issues requiring intervention at different levels are taken up promptly.
The review assumes significance as Odisha continues to attract industrial investments, increasing the demand for supporting infrastructure such as roads, power, water supply and other essential facilities.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretaries of the Works, Water Resources, Power, Forest, Environment and Climate Change departments, and Managing Director, IDCO, attended the meeting.
District Collectors from Anugul, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Jharsuguda, Rayagada, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Kandhamal, among other districts where industrial projects are being implemented or proposed, participated virtually along with senior officials and representatives of industrial establishments.
