Drinking water projects worth Rs 1,550 crore for various rural and urban areas in Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Cuttack district approved by the state cabinet as part of its effort to provide piped water supply to all rural households by March 2024.
State minister Pratap Jena said drinking water projects worth Rs 1,175 crore were approved for Sundargarh district, which would benefit around 6.40 lakh people in 10 blocks of the tribal-dominated district. The projects will be funded from Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Corporation and district mineral foundation funds.
Another drinking water project worth Rs 275 crore has been sanctioned to provide Safe drinking water to nearly 2.61 lakh people in four blocks of Cuttack district. The project will be funded under the Centres Jal Jeevan Mission.
The cabinet also approved amendment of theOdisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962 to simplify and settle various types of lands like Khasmahal, Nazul, Gramakantha Parambok and Abadi in favour of persons under occupation.
As per the amendment, any person in occupation of such types of land shall apply within a period specified by the government from time to time failing which he/she shall be evicted from the land and government will take over it.