Sambalpur, Nov 7: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, sharing his vision, said that the Odisha government has an aim to turn Sambalpur into a leading and modern city.

Union Minister Pradhan is on a multi-day visit to Sambalpur. Speaking at a public meeting, he said that the state government, keeping an eye on the estimated population growth in Sambalpur, has started working on the crucial drinking water supply scheme.

"The Odisha government has started working for the supply of drinking water keeping an eye on the estimated population growth in Sambalpur by 2050," stated the Sambalpur Lok Sabha MP.

The state govt's calculation on population growth suggests that the city would require 200 MLD (Megaliters per Day) drinking water by 2050.

"The preliminary DPR work has been allotted to WATCO. A meeting regarding the vision has already been taken place with the chiefs of various departments as well as concerned Minister," said the Union Education Minister.

Union Minister Pradhan also said that besides the supply of drinking water, planning has been made for the city's drainage and sewage system.

"We are planning to build drains alongside the roads across the city," he said, adding: "Planning has also been made to install street lights and the government is also giving priorities to cleanliness of the city."

Union Minister Pradhan also said that the district administrators are instructed to monitor the situation regularly. "We will continue to work to turn an old city like Sambalpur into a modern city," he explained.

Speaking on the ongoing development works in the district, the Sambalpur Lok Sabha MP said that the "upgradation of Sambalpur City Railway Station along with Sambalpur Railway Station and Hirakud Railway Station has started to some extent".

"In addition, the government is also planning for a bigger ring road, which will help the city develop more," stated the Union Education Minister.

Notably, Union Minister Pradhan, along with Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, has inaugurated Primary Health Center -- 'Ayushman Karya Temple' -- at Pahidabahal, Yuyumura Block, Sambalpur.

"A lot of people can benefit from this Ayushman Healing Temple, which is dedicated to provide basic healthcare services in the local area," wrote the Union Minister on his social media -- 'X' (formerly Twitter) -- handle.

He also thanked the state government "for prioritising" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

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