KalingaTimes Correspondent
Kendrapara (Orissa), May 15: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has embarked on a move to take up public utility projects in backward Mahakalpada tehsil of this coastal district.

The DRDO, under whose stewardship Radar observatory air surveillance project is operational in seaside Kiyarbanka area, has set the ball rolling with regard to development of human settlements on the periphery of the defence project.

As part of its peripheral area development plan, DRDO has taken the charge of rebuilding of the decrepit Mahakalpada-Jamboo road from tomorrow, said Kendrapara Collector Kashinath Sahu on Thursday.

The 6.7 Km long road, perceived lifeline for the people in about 15 gram panchayats, was in bad shape and was wallowing in neglect. Following excess traffic load, the important road link had developed cracks and there was urgent need for its repair.

“We dispatched a latter to DRDO seeking its help for relaying of the road larger public interest. The DRDO personnel swiftly accorded to the suggestion,” Sahu said.

Work for the relaying of road is commencing from tomorrow under the technical supervision of defence project's engineers. The divisional engineers of state works department are also extending assistance for early completion of work. The road relaying would be complete within 25 days and vehicular traffic is accordingly being diverted through a nearby village irrigation canal road, said officials.

The DRDO is also seriously thinking in terms of extending a helping hand in solving acute drinking water crisis in some of the seaside of villages of Kendrapara district.

“As a part of our civilian welfare plan, we are planning to distribute iron testing kits and iron removal apparatus in places of human habitation where safe drinking water is scarce,” said a DRDO official.