Rayagada: When the new government came to power, everyone hoped that developmental work would progress. However, even after a considerable period, there has been no significant advancement in any development projects in the district. Various ongoing projects remain incomplete, and construction work continues at a sluggish pace. Meanwhile, the government has instructed concerned district officials to reallocate or return unused funds for certain projects that could not be completed.
In the absence of new grants under the Panchayati Raj system, development work in 182 panchayats of the district has come to a halt. Previously, each panchayat received a grant of ₹50 lakh, but due to delays in initiating projects, the allocated funds remain unspent. Many rural roads, especially in remote areas, were surveyed for construction, but the work has not yet begun. Now, the government has once again initiated surveys for these projects.
The district has 11 blocks and 182 panchayats, covering over 300 rural areas where road construction surveys have started under the District Rural Roads Department. Officials claim that the work will begin soon. However, under the MGNREGA scheme, no new projects have commenced yet, and contractors who had previously completed work under this scheme are still struggling to receive their pending payments.
Due to the lack of fund approvals, the construction of community centers, ponds, parks, and roads in many villages has not progressed. In a recent “Disha” meeting, discussions were held regarding district development projects, but no concrete decision was made on fund allocation. Similarly, under the “Mukta” scheme, payments for contractors who have completed their work remain unsettled.
As summer approaches, concerns about drinking water shortages are growing. The district administration has not taken any proactive measures to address this issue. As a result, many people fear that accessing drinking water through pipelines will be difficult this year as well. Several elected sarpanches have expressed their concerns regarding this issue.
Despite all these delays, District Council Development Officer Akshay Khemundu has assured that all pending development projects will commence very soon.
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