Odisha government approves drinking water projects worth Rs 1,550 crore

BHUBANESWAR: Drinking water projects worth Rs 1,550 crore for various rural and urban areas in Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Cuttack district approved by the state cabinet as part of its effort to provide piped water supply to all rural households by March 2024.
State Panchayati Raj minister Pratap Jena said drinking water projects worth Rs 1,175 crore were approved for Sundargarh district, which would benefit around 6.40 lakh people in 10 blocks of the tribal-dominated district. The projects will be funded from Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Corporation and district mineral foundation funds.
Another drinking water project worth Rs 275 crore has been sanctioned to provide safe drinking water to nearly 2.61 lakh people in four blocks of Cuttack district. The project will be funded under the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission.
“The state government has set a target to complete both the projects within 24 months from the day of execution of works. A Mumbai-based agency has been engaged for execution of the work,” said Jena.
To improve water supply in Joda and Champua civic bodies in Keonjhar district, a proposal of the housing and urban development department for a water supply project worth Rs 103 crore has also been approved. Implementation of the project will start in September and expected to be completed by August 2023.
The cabinet also approved amendment of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962 to simplify and settle various types of lands like ‘Khasmahal’, ‘Nazul’, ‘Gramakantha Parambok’ and ‘Abadi’ in favour of persons under occupation.
As per the amendment, any person in occupation of such types of land shall apply within a period specified by the government from time to time failing which he/she shall be evicted from the land and government will take over it.
Among others, the cabinet also approved simplification of stamp duty for sale of any immovable properties in the state.
A proposal regarding development of 2-laning of 23-km long stretch of Duduka-Gopalpur-Toparia road with paved shoulder in Sundargarh district also got nod of the state cabinet. The project to be developed with an investment of Rs 103 crore will serve as mining traffic bearing road connecting Basundhara coal mines.
Similarly, the decision to waive royalty and other statutory payments for supply of Khondalite blocks, which will be used for implementation of projects under ABADHA also got approval of the cabinet.
Among others, the cabinet approves amendment of several service rules to provide better promotion avenues and service conditions to state government employees.