Odisha CS Reviews Projects, Stresses Disaster Readiness

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting with District Collectors at Lok Seva Bhawan, directing officials to speed up development projects, resolve land-related issues and improve public service delivery across the state.

A major focus was disaster preparedness, with Collectors asked to identify government land for regional disaster-response hubs in Balasore, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rayagada and Sambalpur. These centres will ensure quick deployment of emergency equipment during disasters. Officials were also instructed to strengthen anti-drug operations through quarterly Narco Coordination Committee meetings involving police and district administrations.

The meeting reviewed progress in electricity connectivity, paddy procurement, godown infrastructure, water supply, irrigation, sanitation and solid waste management across all 30 districts. Collectors were directed to speed up land acquisition for key projects and ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on waste management.

Health initiatives, including the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana, were also discussed. The Agriculture Department stressed daily monitoring of farmer registration and proper distribution of seeds, pesticides and vegetable kits to flood-affected farmers under the Chief Minister’s Special Flood Relief Package.

The review further covered handloom and handicraft development, Tasar Silk Parks, MSME initiatives, startup promotion and Mission Shakti projects, including Subhadra Shakti Marts and Bazaars. Collectors were also asked to identify land for proposed Godavari Adarsh Primary Schools and resolve related hurdles to ensure timely construction.

Development Commissioner Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Home Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma and senior departmental secretaries attended the meeting, while District Collectors participated virtually.