Odisha CM Orders Master Plan For Mineral–Rich Districts

02 June, Bhubaneswar

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed the rural development department to prepare a master plan within 45 days for the all-round development of seven mineral-rich districts in the state.

These mineral rich districts would be given funds under District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Official sources said.

These DMFs will be funded by additional levy on royalty, and the money collected used for the benefit of people affected by mining activities and for improving infrastructure in the mining-affected areas, an official said.

The mineral-rich districts of Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Angul, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Jajpur and Rayagada would benefit from improved basic infrastructure, including road connectivity, bridges and drinking water supply, said a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Patnaik, who chaired an annual review meeting of the department, also directed the district collectors to make adequate planning for proper utilisation of funds.