Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha V.K. Pandian Visits Sundargarh District

Bhubaneswar: Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, Sri V.K. Pandian visited Sundargarh district on Wednesday, conducted a review of ongoing developmental projects in the district and also interacted with the local community.

Shri Pandian meticulously assessed significant initiatives, including Mega Lift Irrigation Projects at Semina, Riughat, Khairidihi, and Satara, Mega Piped water supply schemes, Instream storage structures, and crucial bridges.

Several of these vital projects were initiated subsequent to Shri Pandian’s prior visit to Sundargarh in March 2023, during which he actively participated in grievance meetings and collected feedback from the public. During interactions with the community, Shri Pandian shared insights into the journey leading up to the successful completion of major projects.

He recounted how, in 2019, Chief Minister Patnaik advocated for Rourkela as the second host venue for the Hockey World Cup 2023, alongside Bhubaneswar. Despite concerns raised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding the lack of infrastructure in Rourkela, including a hockey stadium, hotels, and an airport, Chief Minister Patnaik committed to overcoming these challenges. Despite setbacks posed by the Covid pandemic, the construction of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, a 225-room accommodation facility, and an airport were accomplished in a remarkably short time—15 months, earning recognition in the Guinness Book as the world’s largest seated hockey stadium.

Chief Minister Patnaik acknowledged Sundargarh’s significant contribution to Indian hockey and deemed the accomplishments a tribute to the district. During his visit, Shri Pandian attended meetings in Sundargarh Sadar and Balisankara block, addressing various grievances raised by the public and assuring swift resolutions.