Berhampur, May 14: Ganjam district has unveiled an ambitious 25-point development roadmap under the proposed “Odisha Vision” initiative, aimed at transforming the district into a major hub for tourism, industry, infrastructure and employment generation.
The comprehensive blueprint was presented by Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vasan V. during a high-level meeting of departmental secretaries chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Kharavela Bhawan.
The proposals received appreciation from the Chief Secretary and senior officials for their future-oriented vision and integrated approach to district development.
Key proposals include development of Gopalpur as a world-class tourism destination, expansion of the proposed Bahuda deep-sea port, and comprehensive urban development of the Greater Berhampur Municipal Corporation area.
Major infrastructure initiatives highlighted in the presentation included the Pipalapanka irrigation project, modernization of Aryapalli fishing harbour, expansion and six-laning of NH-16, and construction of the Kansariganda intra-river reservoir project on the Rushikulya river.
The roadmap also prioritised piped drinking water supply to all remaining blocks of the district and early completion of the long-pending Berhampur bypass road project.
In the healthcare sector, the Collector proposed upgrading Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital into an “AIIMS Plus” category institution equipped with super-speciality healthcare facilities.
Other proposals include establishment of a textile park, promotion of perfume industries based on locally grown kewda flowers, and development of a modern sports complex in Berhampur on the lines of Kalinga Stadium.
The district administration also proposed setting up a World Skill Centre, development of the Maa Tara Tarini riverfront project, strengthening of model schools, anganwadi centres and Shishu Vatika facilities, promotion of tourism clusters and dry fish-based ancillary industries.
Special emphasis was laid on road safety, healthcare strengthening, development of ideal PACS and LAMPS institutions, and creation of large-scale livelihood opportunities to reduce distress migration from the district.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg stressed the need for urban redevelopment measures to ease congestion in Berhampur city and suggested creation of MSME clusters to boost industrial growth and employment generation in the region.
