Keonjhar: Acting on direct instructions from the Chief Minister, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development & Housing, and Commerce & Transport Departments, today undertook a critical visit to Keonjhar district.
The high-level visit was aimed at personally reviewing key urban development and transport-related projects and ensuring swift redressal of pressing issues.
Smt. Padhee commenced her intensive inspection with an on-ground assessment of Sponge Colony in Ward No. 9 of Keonjhar Municipality, an area grappling with persistent waterlogging and drainage problems for several years.
Accompanied by senior officials from WATCO and the district administration, the Principal Secretary delved into the root causes of the issue, actively seeking both engineering and administrative solutions.
She engaged directly with local residents, offering assurances of prompt action and appealing for their cooperation in implementing the proposed remedial measures.
Following this, Smt. Padhee visited the Government Bus Stand and the Municipal Bus Stand, both operated by the Odisha State Transport Corporation (OSTC).
Her review focused on commuter facilities, identification of infrastructure gaps, and discussions with OSTC managers and regional transport officers to streamline services and address operational challenges.
Later in the day, the Principal Secretary chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the District Collector, Project Director of the District Urban Development Authority, and Executive Officers of all Urban Local Bodies in the district.
During the meeting, Smt. Padhee meticulously assessed the progress of ongoing urban and transport projects, strongly emphasizing the need for accelerated implementation to meet deadlines.
With the impending monsoon season, Smt. Padhee issued a stern directive to all officials to take immediate and urgent measures to resolve drainage and waterlogging issues across the district.
She stressed the paramount importance of ensuring that citizens do not face hardships during the upcoming rainy season. Reaffirming the state government’s unwavering commitment, Smt. Padhee reiterated its dedication to significantly improving urban infrastructure and public transport systems not only in Keonjhar but across all regions of Odisha.