Boudh: In a significant administrative reshuffle, an ace IAS officer Subrat Panda today concluded his 11-month tenure as the District Magistrate of Boudh, a period marked by his deep engagement with the local populace and a commitment to addressing long-standing developmental challenges in the remote, hilly region.
Handing over the charge of Boudh District Magistrate to IAS officer Bibhuti Bhsan Nayak, Shri Panda has left for Bhubaneswar. Shri Panda, who assumed charge in Boudh on August 11, 2024, has been appointed as the new Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, a crucial assignment within Odisha’s Agriculture Sector.
While the professional challenge and strategic importance of this new portfolio clearly bring him immense satisfaction, the farewell from Boudh was undoubtedly bittersweet.
During his time as District Magistrate, Shri Panda became a popular figure among Boudh’s villagers, who expressed immense faith in his leadership.
For the first time, a District Collector crossed the steep and mountainous roads and reached the remote area on foot. In addition, he spoke to the tribal population and got to know about their problems. He also promised to solve various issues of theirs immediately.
Residents of remote Kandara village, for instance, voiced their strong belief that his interventions would lead to the construction of essential roads, resolution of persistent water scarcity issues, and their inclusion in various government welfare schemes.
“We never believed that the Collector would reach us,” a villager from Kandara stated, reflecting the sense of renewed hope under Shri Panda’s administration. Pramod Mallik, a local community leader, further highlighted the villagers’ happiness at the District Magistrate’s focus on enabling them to become self-reliant.
Shri Panda’s approachable demeanor and proactive efforts in addressing grassroots issues earned him widespread appreciation. His tenure in Boudh underscored a model of administration that prioritized direct public engagement and tangible solutions for the most vulnerable communities.
The palpable sorrow among the local communities upon his departure underscores the deep bond he forged and the high hopes they had placed in his continued presence.
Shri Panda now transitions to a pivotal role that carries immense significance for Odisha’s agricultural landscape. As Director, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, he will be at the forefront of the state’s efforts to ensure sustainable land and water resource management.
This department is critical for implementing watershed development programs, controlling soil erosion, promoting water harvesting, and building awareness around environmentally sound agricultural practices.
Given Odisha’s agrarian economy, Shri Panda’s new assignment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his administrative acumen in a sector vital for enhancing agricultural productivity, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and improving rural livelihoods across the state. His experience in understanding ground realities from his time in Boudh is expected to be invaluable in this new, state-level strategic role.