Western Odisha Development Council

Samaja, May 11, 2010

(Thanks to Dr Sanib Kumar Karmee for highlighting the news article in KDDF)

Yes, there arises a lot of questions based on proper functioning of Western Odisha Development Council (WODC). If one will go into details of the activities and achievements by WODC so far based on fundings provided by the Odisha State Government, one can realize there is no proper VISION DOCUMENTS to work with, although the following objectives are mentioned in the WODC web page: http://www.wodcorissa.org/about.htm

Objectives of WODC

"The objectives of the Council have been embodied in the Council Act to(1) upgrade the levels of development with a view to removing regional imbalances, (2) upgrade the relative levels of development in different sectors in each Districts having regard to the levels of development for the State as a whole, (3) prepare long-term and short-term plans and programmes for removal of developmental imbalances and formulate plans and programme accordingly.

In pursuance to these objectives, the Council has identified the sectors-wise deficiencies in development. The main deficiency is on irrigation followed by Roads and Communications, Health, Education and Rural Electrification. In addition to this, regular intervention is necessary for mitigating the natural calamities.As per the objectives and identified deficiencies, the Council prepares its Own Action Plan."

I really appreciate the retrospective analysis by Mr. Amiya Bhusan Tripathy (the article published in Samaja, May 11, 2010) and hope the Government will also take proper care and steps toward better functioning of WODC and to fulfil the dream of Western Odisha (At least better statistics than the present report: Looking at the degree of development/ backwardness of 10 Western Orissa districts, it can be said that out of 87 blocks only 5 blocks are developed, 25 are developing, another 25 are backward and 32 blocks are very backward, whereas in coastal districts 70 blocks are developed, 50 blocks are very backward out of total 227 blocks) .

Only 5.7% developed blocks 36.78% very backward blocks are there in WODC districts. This is against 30.84% of the developed blocks only 22.03% are in very backward blocks in non –WODC districts.

(Source – Ghadei Committee Report to OLA)

Now, Lets see what other achievements we have in our Bargarh District by WODC:

Source: http://www.wodcorissa.org/bargarh.htm

And we can ask ourselves whether these much are enough?????

 

Four laning of Sambalpur-Orissa/Chhatisgarh section of NH-6 and Bhubaneshwar-Puri Section of NH-203 in the State of Orissa under NHDP Phase III approved

Suggestion: Next phase of expansions should be (1) NH 201 from Bargarh to Raigarh with four laning from Boriguma-Bhawanipatna-Bolangir-Bargarh-Raigarh.  (2) NH 217 Nuapada-Jharbandh-Paikmal-Padmapur-Gaisilat-Bijepur-Bargarh


Press Information Bureau, May 06, 2010

The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today approved the implementation of the project of four laning of Sambalpur-Orissa/Chhatisgarh section of NH-6 and Bhubaneshwar-Puri Section of NH-203 in the State of Orissa under NHDP Phase III on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT ) pattern.

The total project cost of Sambalpur-Bargarh-Orissa/Chhatisgarh Border is estimated at Rs.909 crore under the DBFO pattern. The concession period of the project shall be for 30 years including a construction period of 30 months.

The total project cost of Bhubaneshwar-Puri section is estimated at Rs.505.29 crore under the DBFO pattern. The concession period of the project shall be for 29 years including a construction period of 30 months.

The project will reduce the time and cost of travel of the traffic, particularly heavy traffic running between Sambalpur to Orissa/Chhatisgarh border and the traffic running from Bhubaneshwar to Puri. It will also increase the potential of employment to local labourers for the project activities.

The project of Sambalpur to Orissa/Chhatisgarh border is major link to the Chhatisgarh and the project of Bhubaneshwar-Puri is major road to link the pilgrim place.

BACKGROUND:
The Cabinet had approved four/six laning of 4000 Km. of National Highways under NHDP Phase IIIA on BOT basis in March, 2005. Subsequently, approval for additional stretches was granted in May, 2006, October, 2006 and April, 2007 for implementation of four laning for a total length of 12109 Km. at an estimated cost of Rs.80626 crore.

Bargarh Bikash: What? Why? and How?

Priya Bargadbasi,

Bargarh Bikash: What is the purpose? Why it is necessary? and How it can be possible?

We are now at the modern age of fast communication due to advancement of technology. But if we will take a glance to the history of Bargarh district, since the official day of announcement 1st April 1993 and compare with present day then we can believe and realize that we are far away and we still need development in all corners to keep pace with modern day requirements for upgrading not only our own life style but also for the great benifit of coming new generation, based on education, health, transportation, agriculture, industry, infrastructure and many more.

Therefore, it is our prime importance to think with a long vision, to bring awareness among the people of Bargarh and to discuss various issues and find ways to solve these problems for Bargarh Bikash. The other objective of this forum is also to popularise the literature, festival, and culture of Bargarh district globally.

Again I would like to remind you that "Bargarh Bikash is a non-political network site dedicated to all the relevant information on Bargarh district and its people to bring awareness towards socio economic growth and development."

As a proud and responsible citizen of Bargarh district, let's share our valuable ideas, thoughts, suggestions, comments and feedbacks in this forum of like minded people irrespective of religion, caste, age and gender living around the world and solely interested in the greater development of Bargarh district.