Koraput: There is sudden hurry in the administration to carry out development activities in Swabhiman (earlier known as cut-off area) of Malkangiri district.
On July 26, chief minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the Gurupriya bridge that connects 151 villages across the Balimela reservoir. The 910-metre bridge connecting Janbai south to Janbai north was constructed at a cost of Rs 172 crore.
While the district administration has launched a bus service from Malkangiri town to Badpada, situated in Swabhiman, tube wells have been dug at Badpada and Papermetla panchayats.
"The tube wells are being dug to provide safe drinking water to villagers and this has been done on a priority basis. We plan to dig over 100 tube wells and work for many has been completed," said district collector Manish Agarwal.
An official said survey was completed for construction of various village roads in the area under the Gopobandhu Gramin Yojana.
"The process has already begun for construction of roads from Mukhiguda to Jamuguda and Jodambo to Panasput," said a senior block official.
The administration has prepared a detailed project report for promoting fisheries and horticulture in the area to strengthen the local economy.
"Several projects have been undertaken not only to strengthen the infrastructure in the 151 villages, but also to ensure round-the-year income for the villagers," the collector said. "Development of the region is being done on a priority basis and the projects are in various stages of completion. Though it will take some time to complete, but the residents will eventually reap the benefits of development."
While health camps are regularly organised in the villages, it has been decided to establish health sub-centres in six panchayats. Also, a 13/11KV transformer will be installed at Bodpada.
"We are happy to see development activities being carried out in our area," said Chakra Khilla, a resident of Badpada village.
The chief minister had announced a Rs 100crore special package for development of Swabhiman and assured to personally monitor development activities there.
