CM Majhi Launches ₹545 Crore Projects for Koraput at Parva Festival
86 development works announced to boost infrastructure, livelihoods, and heritage
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched major development projects worth ₹545 crore for Koraput district during the National Level Tribal Festival Parva-2025. The projects were announced on the fourth day of the five-day festival, according to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office.
The Chief Minister said the new initiatives will strengthen infrastructure, improve basic services, and support the overall social and economic growth of the tribal-dominated district.
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi said Parva, which has been celebrated since 1996, has played an important role in preserving Koraput’s art, culture, traditions, and history. He noted that the festival has helped increase cultural awareness and brought many local and hidden talents into the spotlight.
He described Koraput as a land of natural beauty and rich traditions, known for peace, simplicity, and harmony among communities.
Breakdown of Development Projects
Out of the total 86 projects announced for Koraput, 16 projects worth ₹24 crore were formally inaugurated. Foundation stones were laid for the remaining 70 projects, involving an investment of ₹521 crore.
These projects cover a wide range of sectors, including irrigation facilities, healthcare centres, small industries, urban hostels, bridges, roads, Mission Shakti Bhawans, Forest Protection Committee buildings, and additional classrooms in schools. The Chief Minister said these works will improve connectivity, education, health services, and livelihood opportunities in the district.
As the chief guest at the event held at Shaheed Laxman Nayak Manch, CM Majhi paid tribute to freedom fighter Shaheed Laxman Nayak and other freedom fighters from Koraput. He said the sacrifices of these leaders continue to inspire future generations.
He also highlighted Koraput’s growing recognition at the national and international levels for its unique products such as coffee, black cumin seeds, and the famous Kotpad sarees.
Millets and Agricultural Growth
The Chief Minister said Koraput has emerged as an important centre for millet cultivation, also known as Sri Anna. Millet farming is currently spread across nearly 72,000 hectares under the state’s Anna Abhiyan programme.
He praised the efforts of farmers in the region and specially acknowledged Dr. Raimati Ghiuria, a well-known woman farmer who has played a key role in conserving and promoting millet cultivation in the district.
Focus on Development with Heritage
Reaffirming his government’s vision, CM Majhi said the guiding principle is “development and heritage.” He assured that the state government is committed to strengthening both economic progress and cultural preservation in Koraput.
He encouraged farmers to take up allied activities such as fisheries, poultry, and duck farming to increase income and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Fisheries and Livestock Development Minister Gokulanand Mallick said Koraput’s tribal culture is extremely rich and needs collective efforts for preservation and promotion.
ST & SC Development Minister Nityanand Gand said the state is proud of its cultural heritage and that Parva has given Koraput a special identity on the national stage.
Several elected representatives, including Koraput MP Saptagiri Ullaka, Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, and MLAs from Pattangi, Kotpad, and Laxmipur, addressed the event and extended greetings to the people of Koraput.
They said that after Bali Yatra, the Parva festival has greatly enhanced Odisha’s image at national and international levels. They also thanked the Chief Minister for attending the festival and supporting the district’s development and cultural pride.
