Deogarh, Apr 25: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects worth Rs 278.49 crore in Deogarh district, marking a significant push to local development.

The programme, held at Bada Bagicha ground in Pradhanpat, saw the inauguration of 63 projects and the foundation laying of 61 others. Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Deogarh MLA Romancha Ranjan Biswal and Collector Kabindra Kumar Sahoo were among those present.

Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said Deogarh has set a new benchmark in development despite being one of the smaller districts in Odisha. He urged residents to support the proposal for expanding legislative representation in the district.

Highlighting sectoral growth, the minister emphasised the need to boost agriculture, fisheries, livestock and dairy production to enhance household incomes. He also stressed the repair and expansion of minor and lift irrigation systems to strengthen water availability for farming.

Pradhan appealed to people to take advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, which enables instalation of 1 kW rooftop solar units, and called for wider participation irrespective of political affiliation.

He further stated that efforts are underway to extend PNG gas connectivity to households in the district. Development of Pradhanpat area will be taken up at a cost of Rs 16 crore, he added.

On infrastructure, the minister said discussions have been held with the National Highways Authority of India for construction of a flyover on the Baniakilinda–Suguda stretch to ease traffic congestion and reduce accidents in Deogarh town.

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In another key announcement, Pradhan said the old Collector’s office building will be transformed into a modern museum, with planning support from Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

He also noted that the newly inaugurated Kendriya Vidyalaya campus will initially offer classes from Grades 1 to 5, with plans to expand up to higher classes in the coming years.