Ganjam (Odisha) [India], August 10 : Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated Odisha's first desalination plant in Ganjam, a project that aims to supply clean drinking water to nearby areas using indigenous technology.
Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Pradhan said, "The Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), where an indigenous technology was developed by the Atomic Energy Research Centre, has been used to create a membrane that purifies seawater into potable water. PM Modi launched the project last year. The cost of converting seawater into potable water or water for agricultural purposes would be 11 paisa/litre."
He also attended an event, "Garib Kalyan Vikash Samabesh".
Speaking to ANI after the event, he highlighted the economic significance of the Ganjam district.
Pradhan said, "Ganjam district holds a prominent place in the nation's economy. Be it Surat, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, or Ahmedabad. The people of Odisha play a very important role in its economy, especially the people of the Ganjam district. Under the double-engine government and PM's vision of self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement, we all have a vision that Ganjam should become a growth engine."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro worth around Rs 7,160 crore and laid the foundation stone of Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project worth over Rs 15,610 crore in Bengaluru, Karnataka today. He also flagged off three Vande Bharat Express trains at KSR Railway Station, Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he remarked that upon setting foot on the land of Karnataka, he felt a sense of belonging. Highlighting the richness of Karnataka's culture, the affection of its people, and the sweetness of the Kannada language, which deeply touches the heart, Modi began by paying respects at the feet of Bengaluru's presiding deity, Annamma Thayi.
Recalling that centuries ago, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda laid the foundation of Bengaluru city, the Prime Minister noted that Kempegowda envisioned a city rooted in tradition while also reaching new heights of progress. "Bengaluru has always lived that spirit and preserved it and today, Bengaluru is realizing that very dream", stated the PM. .