Bhubaneswar: Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has suggested Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to launch major security operations in Sunabeda Sanctuary area in Nuapada district before implementing developmental plans.
"Sunabeda area also requires a similar (Saranda type) major security operation to secure the area fully. Therefore, security camps will have to be established in and around Sunabeda," Ramesh wrote to Patnaik after visiting Nuapada district on February 16.
The union minister said he had already written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard.
Sunabeda requires special focus to contain the growing Maoist threat, he said, adding that only if the area`s security is tightened can the development plan be implemented effectively.
Referring to the security operations at Saranda forest in Jharkhand, the union minister said the results had been "very positive" and security was first ensured through major operations.
Ramesh said Rs 110 crore has been allotted for 12 gram panchayats under the proposed Sunabeda Development Plan and asked the chief minister to direct the department concerned to send the proposal at the earliest for necessary action.
He said while about Rs 40 crore has been earmarked for PMGSY roads in the area, Rs 22.5 crore has been fixed for pucca houses under Indira Awas Yojana. Another Rs 37.5 crore would be spent for the construction of five watershed projects and about Rs 10 crore for strengthening livelihood activities.
PTI
