Nabakalebara: Govt reviews infra project works in Odisha’s Puri

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, Mar 2:

A high level team of secretaries headed by development commissioner U N Behera today reviewed progress of different infrastructure projects associated with health, drainage, sewerage and drinking water supply for the Nabakalebara Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Odisha’s pilgrim town Puri.

Health secretary Arati Ahuja, Water Resources secretary Pradip Jena and Housing and Urban Development G Mathivathanan who were part of the team and had accompanied the development commissioner reviewed progress of different projects connected with their departments at a meeting held at the special circuit house here.

The team visited district headquarters hospital premises and reviewed progress made in the construction of the seven storied building there.

“We visited the district headquarters hospital and took stock of the work progress made in the construction of the seven storied building there. We have directed for completion of all civil, electrical and PH works in it by the end of March. We are hopeful of completion of all works within that time”, said UN Behera, development commissioner.

Rain water discharge from Bada Danda (Grand Road) was one of the major issues on which the meeting focused since Nabakalebara falls during the rainy season this year. Work on 19.5 km of drains is in progress in the town. Directions were issued for taking action against contractors delaying works.

“Our target is to complete all drainage related works by March 31 or at best four-five days more will be required to complete the works. Under no circumstances were going to take drainage work beyond April 7”informed Pradip Jena, secretary Water Resources.
Similarly, elaborate arrangements have been made by the Health department for the Nabakalebara Yatra.

“We have worked out plans on dos and don’ts in event of any outbreaks or eventuality or disaster. On how evacuation will done in case there is an eventuality etc. There will be 50 first aid centres in the Grand Road and that apart there will be 50 in the periphery”, said Arati Ahuja, secretary Health.

Similarly, for meeting the additional demand for drinking water during the Yatra facilities like an additional production well near Narendra Pond is under construction and tube wells will be sunk in the town.

“For water supply additional production well is under construction near Narendra pond. That apart 1200 shallow tube wells will be sunk during May-June”, said G Mathivathanan, secretary Housing and Urban Development.