Jharsuguda: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today laid the foundation stone for the Cancer Care Hospital in Jharsuguda besides launching a slew of projects worth Rs 618.66 crore in the district.

The hospital will be constructed at a cost of Rs 145 crore, official sources said.

Six lift irrigation projects in Jharsuguda and Lakhanpur blocks built at a cost of Rs 32 lakh were inaugurated by the CM. He also inaugurated two Grid Stations in Jharsuguda and Kirimira blocks worth Rs 13 crore.

Patnaik laid foundation stones for four mega water supply projects in Jharsuguda Sadar, Kolabira, Kirmira and Laikera blocks costing Rs 388 crore; railway over bridge at Choukipada at an estimated cost of Rs 35.62 crore; Nidan Kendra at Jharsuguda worth Rs 15 crore and irrigation project at Amati to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 18.22 crore.

The Chief Minister also distributed Rs one crore digital empowerment incentive among 3489 women self help groups (SHGs), social security benefits to 30 beneficiaries, assistance to 1422 Nirman Shramiks and land pattas to 1002 landless persons.