Balangir ‘Neglected’ By Previous BJD Govt: CM Mohan Majhi

Balangir, Nov 3: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday alleged the previous BJD government, led by Naveen Patnaik, had neglected Balangir district and said that his government initiated several projects worth Rs 890 crore for the all-round development of the western-Odisha district.

Addressing a press conference here, CM Majhi said, “Balangir district has been largely neglected by the previous BJD government in the State. Our government launched 83 developmental projects worth Rs. 890 crore yesterday for the all-round development of the district.''

The Chief Minister assured that the injustice done by the previous BJD government will be corrected and all ongoing projects expedited.

During his two-day visit to Balangir, the Chief Minister on Saturday laid the foundation stone for development of Tusura airstrip’s 1,330-metre runway at a cost of Rs 65 crore. Post-development, the airstrip will be categorised as 2-B, enabling direct flights between Balangir and Bhubaneswar.

CM Majhi also laid the foundation stone for the Upper Lanth irrigation project in Belapada block worth over Rs 300 crore. This project will irrigate over 15,000 acre of land in both kharif and rabi seasons benefiting 38,000 farmers from 25 villages in Belapada block. Additionally, the project will generate 210 kilowatts electricity, the Chief Minister said.