Viksit Odisha / CM Majhi Unveils Mega Irrigation and Development Projects in Kendujhar

Raikala, Nov 7: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday unveiled a series of major development projects in Kendujhar district, focusing on irrigation, healthcare, education, banking and sports infrastructure, while reaffirming the government's commitment to farmers, labourers and rural communities.

Addressing a public gathering at Raikala in Kendujhar, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple projects aimed at transforming the Kendujhar-Mayurbhanj region.

The highlight of the event was the launch of three mega lift irrigation projects worth nearly Rs 120 crore, which are expected to provide irrigation facilities to 4,280 hectares of agricultural land across Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj districts.

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The projects, including the Raikala, Satikudar and Jarkani lift irrigation schemes, are scheduled for completion by 2028. Once operational, they will significantly boost agricultural productivity in several villages of Jhumphura and Kendujhar blocks, besides benefiting parts of Mayurbhanj district.

Emphasising the importance of irrigation, Majhi said, "If farmers prosper, Odisha prospers." He noted that the new projects would enable farmers to cultivate two to three crops annually instead of a single crop, thereby increasing rural incomes and strengthening the local economy.

The Chief Minister also announced that the long-awaited Kanupur Irrigation Project would be formally inaugurated in December. He further stated that the state government aims to extend irrigation facilities to 15 lakh hectares of farmland within the next five years.

In the healthcare sector, CM Majhi inaugurated the newly constructed Jhumphura Community Health Centre (CHC) built at a cost of Rs 17.97 crore. The facility is expected to improve healthcare access for tribal and rural communities in the region.

Strengthening financial services in rural areas, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a new State Bank of India branch at Raikala, which will help farmers, entrepreneurs and local residents access banking and credit services more conveniently.

Several major announcements were made for youth and education development. Majhi declared that a modern sports complex worth Rs 24 crore would be established in Raikala to nurture sporting talent.

Additionally, a residential school for SC and ST students will be set up at a cost of Rs 30 crore, providing quality educational opportunities to students from marginalised communities.

Highlighting broader development efforts, the Chief Minister noted that several grassroots projects worth over Rs 8.20 crore have already been completed in Raikala, including roads, public infrastructure, school facilities and sports amenities.

Becoming emotional while addressing the gathering in his native region, Majhi said Raikala was not merely his birthplace but a sacred land that shaped his journey. He credited the people and the soil of the region for his rise in public life and reiterated his commitment to ensuring balanced development across Odisha.

The Chief Minister concluded by calling for collective efforts to build a stronger and more developed Odisha with the blessings of Lord Jagannath and Maa Tarini.