Odisha Cabinet Unveils Ambitious Plans for Biotechnology and Urban Development

Key Initiatives Announced by Odisha Cabinet

Bhubaneswar: On Friday, the Odisha cabinet approved two significant initiatives aimed at advancing biotechnology and improving urban infrastructure. Additionally, a tender worth Rs 151 crore was sanctioned for the Chheligada multipurpose medium irrigation project located in Gajapati district.

These initiatives were greenlit during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

According to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the newly introduced schemes, titled 'Development of Biotechnology' and 'Mukhya Mantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY)', are designed to generate employment opportunities and bolster the state's economy.

The 'Development of Biotechnology' initiative is set to roll out over five years, commencing in the financial year 2025-26, with a projected budget of Rs 1,113.50 crore.

This scheme aims to foster partnerships among industry, academia, and research institutions, thereby unlocking extensive opportunities for biotechnology applications across various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental management.

With the Odisha Biotechnology Policy 2024 already in effect, this initiative will offer incentives for the establishment of advanced infrastructure for biotechnology products and services, positioning Odisha as a knowledge-driven bio-economy and significantly contributing to its economic growth.

The scheme will also enhance higher education, research, and infrastructure in biotechnology, creating a robust and supportive ecosystem.

Regarding the 'Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY)', Ahuja explained that it aims to 'improve urban infrastructure and revenue models through an integrated approach to city development, aligning with the 'Viksit Odisha @ 2036 vision'.

This initiative, with a budget of Rs 6,000 crore, will be executed over five years.

It is anticipated to enhance urban infrastructure, generate substantial employment, and elevate the quality of life for residents.

Plans under this scheme include the construction of town halls, crematoriums, community centers, market complexes, roads, drainage systems, vending zones, parks, parking facilities, EV charging stations, and mini cold storage units.

These developments will be complemented by micro-tourism projects and local marketplaces to invigorate regional economies, as stated by the official.

Furthermore, the cabinet approved a tender exceeding Rs 151 crore for the Chheligada multipurpose medium irrigation project in the R. Udaygiri block of Gajapati district.

This project involves building a storage reservoir across the Badajore river, a tributary of the Vansadhara river, and is expected to irrigate approximately 6,260 hectares of land.

Additionally, it will supply 31.54 million cubic meters of water for drinking and domestic use in Berhampur town, while also supporting fishery development, livestock farming, and groundwater replenishment.

The project is also projected to generate 36 MW of hydroelectric power and improve the socio-economic conditions of the local community, according to the chief secretary.