Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati toured Bonda Ghat in Mudulipada Panchayat under Khairput block of Malkangiri district, marking his first-ever interaction with the region’s indigenous Bonda community.
The Governor traveled from Koraput by car and was warmly welcomed at Govindpali by local leaders and officials.
Upon arrival, the Governor was received by Malkangiri MLA Narsingha Madkami, Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla, District Collector Somesh Upadhyay, SP Vinod Patil, and DFO Sai Kiran. He was escorted to the Forest Department’s guest house before proceeding to Bonda Ghati, where tribal men and women greeted him with traditional music, dance, and floral garlands.
Dr. Kambhampati visited sacred sites like Sitakund and the Shri Ram temple, emphasizing their development potential. He also toured the Bonda Development Agency and reviewed skill development units including tailoring, multi-processing, and traditional crafts. The Governor interacted with self-help group women and tribal artisans, inquiring about their challenges and progress.
At the BDA campus, he held discussions with beneficiaries of various schemes including PM Awas Yojana, PM Janman, forest land pattas, pensions for those above 80, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, youth volunteers, and Lakhpati Didis. He distributed forest land pattas to 15 Bonda and 11 Didai tribal beneficiaries, along with financial aid under the National Family Benefit Scheme and Madhubabu Pension Yojana.
Highlighting alternative livelihoods, the Governor encouraged goat, poultry, and dairy farming to boost tribal income. He instructed officials to take necessary steps to support these initiatives.
During a public meeting, Dr. Kambhampati stressed the importance of developing Bonda Ghat and uplifting primitive tribal groups. He also visited the local girls’ hostel and high school, interacting with students and joining them for a midday meal.
