Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 27 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced a rehabilitation package for 112 families displaced by the Chelligada Irrigation Project, even as he highlighted a series of major infrastructure and industrial projects planned across the state.
As part of the rehabilitation measures, land pattas will be provided to the affected families. Each family will receive 10 decimals of homestead land and two acres of agricultural land, aimed at ensuring both residential security and livelihood support for those displaced by the irrigation project.
The Chief Minister said the Chelligada Irrigation Project will have a significant impact on agriculture in the region, with the project expected to irrigate more than 6,000 hectares across Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
The announcement comes as the state government seeks to balance infrastructure development with rehabilitation and livelihood support for people affected by major projects.
Majhi also outlined the government's plans to expand Odisha's port and industrial infrastructure, particularly in and around Gopalpur.
He said the Gopalpur Port is being expanded, while a new port at Bahuda is proposed with an estimated investment of Rs 22,000 crore. The proposed port will have an annual capacity of 150 million metric tonnes, which the government expects to strengthen Odisha's maritime and industrial potential.
The Chief Minister further said that 14 projects involving investments of more than Rs 40,000 crore are coming up at the Gopalpur Industrial Park.
According to Majhi, these projects are expected to generate more than 18,000 employment opportunities, creating new avenues for skilled workers, local youth and people associated with ancillary industries.
Highlighting the state's broader employment strategy, Majhi said Odisha was entering a period of rapid industrial and economic expansion.
"Rapid industrialisation and expansion of government recruitment will create more than five lakh employment opportunities in Odisha over the next two years," he said.
The Chief Minister said the expected employment generation would come through a combination of private investment, industrial projects, infrastructure development and recruitment in government departments.
He also called upon young people in the state to prepare themselves for the changing employment landscape by acquiring relevant skills.
"I urge the youth to acquire skills and prepare themselves to benefit from the emerging employment opportunities," Majhi said.
The focus on skill development comes as the state looks to ensure that local youth are able to benefit from the large investments being attracted to Odisha rather than employment opportunities being limited to workers from outside the state.
Majhi's remarks also highlighted the government's emphasis on industrialisation as a driver of employment and economic growth, with port development expected to play an important role in strengthening connectivity, trade and investment.
The proposed Bahuda port, along with the expansion of Gopalpur Port and the projects coming up at Gopalpur Industrial Park, is expected to strengthen the region's industrial ecosystem and create demand for supporting businesses and services.
With major investments planned in ports, industry and government recruitment, the Odisha government is projecting the coming two years as a period of increased employment generation and economic activity across the state.