Bhawanipatna, Jan 19: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while attending the Kalahandi Ghumura Festival 2026, hailed Kalahandi as one of Odisha’s most culturally rich regions, saying every corner of the district reflects thoughtfulness, courage, resilience, and self-respect.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated 3,612 development projects worth ₹891.39 crore for the district. Of these, 971 projects worth ₹193.36 crore were inaugurated, while the foundation stones for 2,641 projects worth ₹698.3 crore were laid.
Highlighting the district’s rapid progress, CM Majhi recalled that last year, during the launch of the Antyodaya Griha scheme, projects worth ₹620 crore had been inaugurated or had their foundations laid. “In just one and a half years, developmental projects worth over ₹1,500 crore have been initiated in Kalahandi, which will accelerate the district’s overall development,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced the operationalization of the Utei-Raul Irrigation Project, with an investment of ₹3,325 crore, approved by the Central Government. He further stated that the region from Kalahandi to Nabarangpur would be developed as a coir production cluster. The Belgam Inland Reservoir Project is set to begin soon, and the Sandul Barrage work is nearing completion.
Calling upon the people of Kalahandi to make the district a top agricultural hub in Odisha, CM Majhi announced that a public hearing program will be held soon in Bhawanipatna. He also unveiled the independent souvenir of Ghumura 2026, titled “Kalajharan.”
Government official Saroj Kumar Pradhan described Kalahandi as the land of heritage, art, and culture, adding that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the district is moving steadily along the development path. “By 2036, Kalahandi can become one of the best districts in the state if everyone works together,” he said.
