Raikala, Keonjhar | Odisha: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday returned to his birthplace Raikala in Keonjhar district and unveiled a major development package aimed at transforming agriculture, healthcare, education, sports and rural infrastructure across Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for three major lift irrigation projects worth approximately ₹120 crore, which are expected to provide irrigation facilities to 4,280 hectares of agricultural land across the two districts. The Raikala, Satikudar and Jarkani projects are targeted for completion by 2028.

Addressing a public gathering, Majhi said the government was committed to improving farmers' livelihoods and strengthening rural economies through irrigation infrastructure.

“Prosperous farmers mean a prosperous Odisha. Our farmers will now be able to cultivate two to three crops annually instead of just one,” the Chief Minister said.

He also announced that the much-awaited Kanupur Irrigation Project in Keonjhar would be formally inaugurated in December, providing significant irrigation benefits to thousands of hectares of farmland.

Major Healthcare and Banking Facilities Inaugurated

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Jhumura Community Health Centre (CHC), constructed at a cost of ₹17.97 crore, bringing improved healthcare facilities closer to rural and tribal communities.

A new State Bank of India branch was also inaugurated in Raikala to strengthen banking services for farmers, entrepreneurs and local residents.

₹54 Crore Sports Complex and Residential School Announced

In a major announcement for Raikala, Majhi declared the establishment of a modern sports complex worth ₹24 crore to promote sporting talent among local youth.

He also announced a residential school for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students at an estimated cost of ₹30 crore, aimed at providing quality education and residential facilities.

₹15 Lakh Hectares to Receive Irrigation in Five Years

The Chief Minister stated that the Odisha government was targeting irrigation facilities for 15 lakh hectares of agricultural land over the next five years.

The state budget has earmarked ₹14,500 crore for irrigation projects this year. The government has also completed six inter-basin reservoir projects and RCC lining of 1,941 kilometres of field channels, benefiting nearly 80,000 hectares of command area.

Additionally, 656 new check dams have been constructed and 1,022 existing check dams renovated across the state.

₹8.20 Crore Development Projects for Raikala

Majhi said 10 grassroots development projects worth ₹8.20 crore had been undertaken for Raikala.

These include a mini stadium at Karanjiapada, additional classrooms, development of the Dhabaleswar Temple premises, a rural market, youth club infrastructure, renovation of Gramashree Thakurani, a new Gram Panchayat building, a Mission Shakti building and concrete road construction.

Major Development Projects for Keonjhar

Highlighting the district's broader development, the Chief Minister said projects worth ₹313 crore were being undertaken for the development of Maa Tarini Temple, while a textile park worth ₹287 crore was being established to create employment opportunities for youth.

Under the CM-KISAN scheme, 2,07,362 farmers in Keonjhar have received assistance amounting to ₹41.53 crore. Crop diversification initiatives have also been undertaken across 35,500 hectares of paddy land.

‘Raikala Is My Birthplace and Pilgrimage’

Emotionally recalling his roots, Majhi said Raikala was not merely his birthplace but a sacred place for him.

“Raikala is not just my birthplace; it is a pilgrimage for me. Whatever position I have reached today is because of the blessings of my people and the values of this soil. No matter how high one rises in life, one must never forget one's roots,” he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government's commitment to the comprehensive development of Keonjhar and every region of Odisha, calling for collective efforts towards building a prosperous and developed state.

Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, Patna MLA Akhila Chandra Naik, Telkoi MLA Dr Fakir Mohan Naik, Keonjhar Special Development Council Chairperson Mamita Naik and other dignitaries attended the programme.