WODC Chairman Asit Tripathy Reviews Development Projects in Kalahandi District

Bhubaneswar: Asit Tripathy, Chairman of the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC), conducted a comprehensive review of various developmental projects in Kalahandi district. The Chairman, who recently visited Kalahandi, discussed the progress and directed the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for further enhancements. The review meeting, held at Kharavel Bhawan, included detailed deliberations with District Collector P. Anvesha Reddy.

Protecting the unique heritage of Kalahandi is a collective responsibility, said Chairman Shri Tripathy. The district boasts numerous historical sites, and WODC, recognizing their significance, provides financial grants for their conservation, maintenance, and beautification. Emphasizing the beautification of ancient structures using traditional methods, Shri Tripathy highlighted the importance of preserving historical places.

WODC has allocated ₹2 crore for the regeneration and rejuvenation of the water reservoir near Bimal Convent School in Bhawanipatna, a project beneficial for the local community, informed Chairman Shri Tripathy. Additionally, discussions with the District Collector focused on the improvement of the Dhabaleswar temple, an ancient Shiv temple in Mohanagiri, M.Rampur block. Shri Tripathy expressed the Council’s commitment to maintaining and beautifying this ancient temple in an authentic style, including the development of a museum and restoration of the nearby pond.

In today’s meeting, plans were unveiled for a dedicated space for stone carving artisans in Kandagarh, Koksara block. The Chairman disclosed that training programs for skill development and a special shop for the sale of artisans’ artifacts would be established. Furthermore, the council aims to develop Churapahada in Golamunda block as an eco-tourism destination, with Chairman Shri Tripathy directing the district administration to provide essential amenities for the convenience and safety of local tourists, including seating, drinking water, toilets, footpaths, trekking tracks, and parking.

Chairman Shri Tripathy also announced plans for the restoration and beautification of the Ranibandh tank in Narla block. The meeting witnessed the participation of officials from Koksara, M.Rampur, and Golamunda blocks, along with Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mishra, and Technical Consultant Shri Sunil Kumar Naik.