Jaipatna(Kalahandi), Jan 14: Kalahandi is not an epitome of poverty but a milestone of development, opined Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while inaugurating upper Indravati mega irrigation project at Mangalpur under Jaipatna block of Kalahandi, earlier infamous for poverty, child sale and backwardness.

“Late Biju Patnaik was very dear to Kalahandi, so he loved the soil. His every drop of blood counts each development there. This is a bit inspiration for me to bring all round  development of  Kalahandi,” said Naveen.

Describing Indravati river as a mother, the chief minister said, ” She could transform the demography of Kalahandi from the land of Poverty to Rice Bowl. Once reeling under drought, farmers of Kalahandi now provide food stuff to the globe, due to the benevolence of the Indravati. A  museum will be set up at the project site with Godess Indravati temple therein. “

Finally, he administered a pledge to the people to conserve and utilise every drop of water from the project.