Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg concluded a two-day official tour of Kandhamal district, focusing on tourism infrastructure development, ongoing government schemes, and grassroots challenges in livelihood, education, and drinking water supply.
The visit, her first to Kandhamal since taking charge as Chief Secretary, began on the evening of January 13 when she arrived at the Phulbani Circuit House and received a warm welcome from the district administration.
Garg interacted with tribal aspirants undergoing civil services coaching sponsored by the Odisha Mining Corporation, encouraging them to prepare with dedication. She also visited the district’s e-library and medical college, offering suggestions to enhance healthcare delivery and medical education.
On the second day, the Chief Secretary visited key tourism sites in Daringbadi, often called the “Kashmir of Odisha.” She inspected the Eco Retreat and praised its potential to boost eco-tourism.
She then toured the Daringbadi Coffee Garden, appreciating the cafe run by the Bethania Women’s Self-Help Group, and visited the community-managed Hill View Park operated by the Sanjasaru Trust, highlighting its role in local tourism growth.
At Sirtiguda, Garg reviewed the OPTCL power transmission project and directed authorities to operationalise at least two phases by June 2026.
In Phiringia and Nuagaon blocks, she inspected agricultural initiatives, including a turmeric processing centre, millet cultivation, and integrated farming systems supporting strawberry, marigold, and pea crops under the Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Horticulture Department, and ITDA.
The Chief Secretary visited the PMShri Government Girls’ High School in Phiringia, interacted with students, shared a midday meal at the hostel, expressed satisfaction with facilities, and assured quick resolution of pending issues.
She also reviewed a paddy processing unit in Kasam producing diversified products like black rice and jackfruit chips, and inaugurated a local outlet. At Harabhanga, she inspected a water purification plant and instructed officials to expedite the drinking water supply.
The tour included a brief visit to the Mahanadi Mega Drinking Water Project in neighbouring Boudh district. Back in Phulbani, Garg chaired a review meeting with district-level officers and addressed the media on challenges, ongoing measures, and future action plans.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Secretary said the visit aimed to assess ground-level implementation of schemes, identify bottlenecks in infrastructure projects—particularly drinking water—and ensure state-level coordination for swift solutions.
District Collector Bed Bhushan, CDO Shambhunath Nandi, ITDA Project Administrator Gadadhar Patra, and other senior officials accompanied her throughout the tour.
