Sudam babu state bureau odisha

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Angul, Odisha | October 30, 2026

The Odisha government has intensified its efforts to accelerate infrastructure development and improve urban civic facilities in Angul district. As part of this initiative, Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Housing and Urban Development Department and Chairperson of the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO), conducted an extensive field inspection of several ongoing development projects on Thursday, October 30.

During her visit, she assessed the progress of important infrastructure initiatives, examined the functioning of sanitation facilities, reviewed housing construction work and inspected locations frequently affected by waterlogging. She also interacted with officials from different departments and instructed them to address pending issues through coordinated efforts within clearly defined timelines.

The visit focused on ensuring that development projects are not limited to administrative reviews but deliver practical improvements to residents, industries and other beneficiaries.

Aluminium Park Near NALCO Comes Under Review

The first major destination during the inspection programme was the Aluminium Park situated near the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). The proposed industrial infrastructure is considered important for supporting industrial activities and creating opportunities for further economic development in the region.

At the site, Usha Padhee held discussions with senior representatives of NALCO and IDCO regarding the essential facilities required for the effective development and operation of the park.

Electricity and water supply emerged as important subjects during the discussions. These facilities are necessary for establishing a suitable industrial environment and ensuring that businesses can function without facing avoidable infrastructure-related difficulties.

The ACS directed the officials concerned to strengthen coordination between the agencies involved and identify practical solutions to the issues affecting the project. She emphasised that delays in providing basic infrastructure should be addressed through timely administrative intervention.

She also stressed the importance of assigning responsibilities to the concerned departments so that pending matters can be resolved without unnecessary delays.

Inspection of Sanitation and Waste Management Projects

Following the inspection of the Aluminium Park, Padhee visited the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) operated under Angul Municipality.

The facility plays an important role in managing faecal sludge generated from sanitation systems and supporting safer urban waste treatment practices. During the visit, she reviewed the functioning of the treatment facility and discussed the arrangements being followed for sanitation management.

Scientific treatment and appropriate disposal of waste are essential for maintaining public health, protecting the environment and improving the overall cleanliness of urban areas.

She also inspected the biomining project being implemented at Panchamahala, where work is underway to process accumulated legacy waste.

Legacy waste management remains an important challenge for urban local bodies because improperly managed waste can affect surrounding communities and the environment. Biomining offers a scientific approach to processing old waste deposits and improving the condition of affected sites.

During the inspection, the ACS reviewed the progress of the project and discussed the steps being taken by the municipal authorities to improve waste management.

She highlighted the need for effective monitoring, proper implementation and continued attention to sanitation-related infrastructure. The concerned officials were encouraged to maintain coordination and ensure that the ongoing initiatives achieve their intended objectives.

Housing Project Progress Reviewed, Officials Asked to Complete Pending Work

Housing development was another major component of the ACS’s field visit. She inspected an ongoing residential project being developed by the Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB).

During the inspection, Padhee examined the construction progress and discussed several essential requirements associated with the project. These included drainage arrangements, basic infrastructure facilities and the remaining construction activities.

She interacted with OSHB representatives and the District Collector to understand the current status of the project and identify issues that could affect its completion.

The timely delivery of residential facilities is important for eligible beneficiaries who depend on government-supported housing initiatives. However, the availability of flats alone is not sufficient unless supporting infrastructure is also properly developed.

In view of this, the ACS directed the concerned officials to give priority to unfinished construction work and ensure that necessary facilities are completed before the residential units are handed over.

She emphasised that administrative coordination and regular monitoring should be maintained so that eligible beneficiaries do not face unnecessary difficulties in receiving their allotted homes.

The inspection also highlighted the importance of ensuring proper drainage and other essential services within residential developments to provide a safe and convenient living environment.

Waterlogging Problems in Baniabahal and Lingarajodi Examined

Addressing recurring waterlogging problems was another important priority during the visit.

Padhee travelled to Baniabahal and Lingarajodi, two locations identified as being vulnerable to water accumulation during periods of heavy rainfall.

At these locations, she examined drainage-related difficulties and discussed the existing situation with district administration and municipal officials.

Waterlogging can create considerable inconvenience for residents, particularly during the monsoon season. Poor drainage arrangements may affect road movement, disrupt everyday activities and create difficulties for people living in low-lying areas.

Keeping these challenges in view, the ACS instructed the authorities to focus on developing effective and sustainable drainage solutions rather than depending solely on temporary arrangements.

She emphasised the need to improve the existing drainage network, strengthen rainwater management systems and ensure that accumulated water can flow out smoothly.

The officials were also asked to examine the reasons behind recurring waterlogging and take suitable corrective measures according to local requirements.

Padhee made it clear that arrangements should be planned in a manner that reduces the possibility of water accumulation and protects residents from repeated difficulties during the rainy season.

The directions underline the administration’s focus on strengthening urban infrastructure and addressing problems that directly affect the daily lives of local communities.

Better Coordination and Accountability Among Departments Emphasised

During the different stages of the inspection, the Additional Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of effective coordination between government departments, public agencies and local administrative bodies.

She observed that infrastructure projects often involve multiple agencies, making regular communication and clearly defined responsibilities essential for successful implementation.

She stressed that officials should identify obstacles at the field level and take timely decisions to prevent unnecessary delays.

Regular inspections and progress assessments were also highlighted as important tools for maintaining accountability and ensuring that development work proceeds according to planned schedules.

The ACS called for a result-oriented approach in which project implementation is evaluated not only through construction progress but also through the actual benefits delivered to the public.

Her instructions covered several important areas, including industrial infrastructure, sanitation, scientific waste disposal, affordable housing and urban drainage management.

Development Must Improve the Quality of Public Services

The field visit reflected the Odisha government’s broader emphasis on strengthening urban infrastructure and improving the delivery of essential civic services.

Angul is an important industrial district, and its development requirements extend beyond industrial growth. Along with supporting industrial infrastructure, attention is also necessary for housing, sanitation, drainage, waste management and other public facilities.

The inspection brought these interconnected development priorities into focus.

Padhee emphasised that government initiatives should produce visible improvements in people’s lives. Infrastructure development must contribute to better public services, improved living conditions and long-term benefits for local residents.

She also underlined that timely completion of projects, accountability among implementing agencies and effective monitoring are necessary to achieve these objectives.

Senior Officials Present During the Inspection

Angul District Collector Abdal M. Akhtar accompanied the Additional Chief Secretary during the visit.

Senior district-level officials, representatives of NALCO and IDCO, the Chief General Manager (CGM) of IDCO, Odisha State Housing Board officials and representatives from other concerned departments and agencies were also present.

Their participation enabled discussions on the progress of different projects and the challenges requiring administrative attention.

The visit concluded with a clear emphasis on resolving pending infrastructure issues, improving interdepartmental coordination and ensuring that development initiatives in Angul move forward within निर्धारित timelines.

The inspection is expected to provide direction for further administrative follow-up on the projects reviewed during the programme. The priority will be to translate the instructions issued during the visit into concrete action and ensure that industrial facilities, sanitation systems, housing projects and drainage infrastructure deliver meaningful benefits to the people of Angul.