Bhubaneswar, April 7: Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, recently conducted a thorough review of the ongoing development initiatives in Kandhamal district, concentrating on key sectors including tourism, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

During her earlier visit in January, Garg had explored potential solutions to various pressing issues and highlighted opportunities for boosting the district’s economy through tourism, especially in Daringbadi and its surrounding regions. She recommended further enhancement of local attractions like Hill View Park, Nature Park, and the Coffee Garden, alongside initiatives to promote integrated agricultural practices, such as turmeric and strawberry cultivation.

Additionally, Garg emphasized the need for improving the packaging and marketing strategies of forest-based products, including honey and tamarind, in order to strengthen local livelihoods. District Collector Vedbhushan presented an extensive list of 25 key initiatives, which included efforts to improve digital connectivity, expand irrigation systems, and ensure more reliable electricity supply across the region.

A major focus of the meeting was the Phulbani mega pipe irrigation project, which is aimed at improving water supply for agricultural areas, alongside plans to upgrade rural road infrastructure and expand the Kandhamal-Gajalbari road.

The review meeting, held in the Lok Seva Bhavan conference room, was attended by several senior officials, including the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, and various concerned department heads. The Southern Zone Revenue Divisional Commissioner and the District Collector of Kandhamal, along with other district-level officers, participated through virtual platforms.