In a significant move to accelerate grassroots development, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg concluded an intensive two-day official tour of Kandhamal district on Wednesday. Marking her first district visit since assuming office, the tour underscored the state government’s priority on “Eco-Retreats, Tribal Empowerment, and Infrastructure Resilience.”
The high-profile visit, which began on the evening of January 13, saw the Chief Secretary traversing the rugged terrain of the district—from the “Kashmir of Odisha,” Daringbadi, to the remote blocks of Phiringia and Nuagaon—to conduct on-the-spot assessments of ongoing welfare schemes.
Focus on Livelihood and Tribal Aspiration:
A major highlight of the visit was Garg’s interaction with tribal youth undergoing civil services coaching, a program sponsored by the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). Encouraging the aspirants to bridge the gap between rural potential and administrative leadership, she urged them to prepare with “unwavering dedication.”
Furthering the mission of tribal empowerment, the Chief Secretary inspected several livelihood initiatives. She visited a turmeric processing center at Kasam, reviewed millet cultivation by women’s collectives in Manipadar, and explored integrated farming projects featuring strawberries and marigolds. At Kasam, she also inaugurated an outlet for diversified products, including black rice and jackfruit chips, praising the value-addition efforts of local farmers.
Tourism and Infrastructure Push:
Recognizing Kandhamal’s immense tourism potential, Garg spent significant time at the Daringbadi Eco-Retreat. She lauded the facility’s role in putting the district on the global eco-tourism map. Her itinerary also included the Daringbadi Coffee Garden and the community-managed Hill View Park, where she highlighted the importance of SHG-led enterprises like the Bethania Women’s Café.
On the infrastructure front, the Chief Secretary issued a stern directive during her visit to the OPTCL power transmission project at Sirtiguda. She instructed authorities to ensure that at least two phases of the project are operationalized by June 2026 to stabilize the district’s power supply.
Healthcare, Education, and Quality of Life:
Education and health remained central to her review. Garg visited the local medical college to discuss healthcare delivery improvements and spent time at the PMShri Government Girls’ High School in Phiringia. In a gesture of solidarity, she shared a mid-day meal with the students in their hostel, personally verifying the quality of food and facilities provided.
Addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, she inspected a water purification plant at Harabhanga and the Mahanadi Mega Drinking Water Project, ordering officials to expedite pipelines to ensure every household receives clean drinking water.
The tour culminated in a comprehensive review meeting with district-level officers, including Collector Bed Bhushan. Speaking to the press, Chief Secretary Garg stated that the visit was vital for identifying “ground-level bottlenecks.”
“Our focus is clear: ensuring that state-level coordination translates into swift solutions for infrastructure and livelihood challenges in Kandhamal,” she remarked, signaling a proactive era of governance for the tribal-dominated district.
With the Chief Secretary’s direct intervention, the district administration is now expected to accelerate several pending projects, particularly in the sectors of power, water, and agricultural processing, by mid-2026.
