Union Education Minister Dedicates Tata Steel Foundation’s Community Initiatives in Angul and Dhenkanal

DHENKANAL:Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister of Education, today dedicated a series of community development initiatives of Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) at Joragadia, near Banarpal in the Angul district, in the presence of other dignitaries. He also performed the Bhumi Poojan at the location for illumination NH 55 and at Nuahata for solar-powered road lighting project.

The illumination of a 3.5 km stretch on NH-55 from Itap to Nuahata Chowk will improve safety for the commuters, and a 20 km solar-powered road lighting project from Santri Chowk to Maidharpur in elephant-prone zones, to benefit the road users while reducing carbon emissions by 35 tonnes annually.

In Angul’s Banarpal block, community development works worth ?1.28 crore include the construction of a 1 km cement concrete road with drains and a community centre at Diha Sahi, and the installation of two high mast and 82 streetlights in Nuahata Gram Panchayat. In Dhenkanal, projects worth ?1 crore include a Suchana Kendra at Hindol, a new school building at Narendrapur, and the deployment of eight high mast and 160 streetlights across Hindol and Odapada blocks.

Before inaugurating the community infrastructure programme, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited Tata Steel Meramandali’s Biodiversity Park along with other dignitaries and formally launched the plantation drive as part of the Government of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, for planting 5,000 saplings at the Park and adjoining areas.

The ceremony was graced by; Shri Pratap Chandra Pradhan, MLA, Angul; Abdaal M. Akhtar, Collector & District Magistrate, Angul; Ashish Iswar Patil, Collector & District Magistrate, Dhenkanal; Shri Abhinav Sonkar, Superintendent of Police (SP), Dhenkanal; Shri Rahul Jain, Superintendent of Police, Angul; Shri Nitish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Angul; Shri Sumit Kumar Kar, Divisional Forest Officer, Dhenkanal; along with Uttam Singh, Vice President – (Operations), Tata Steel Meramandali, and D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, (Corporate Services),Tata Steel and Director, TSF.

Shri Uttam Singh, Vice President – Operations, Tata Steel Meramandali, said, “At Tata Steel Meramandali, we believe development must go hand in hand with community well-being. These projects are designed to bring lasting benefits—safer roads, better facilities, and improved public infrastructure—for the people who are an integral part of our growth journey.”

D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel and Director, TSF, added, “Tata Steel Foundation is deeply invested in creating sustainable and inclusive development across the region. By addressing essential needs such as safety, education, and community spaces, we aim to empower people and strengthen the social fabric of the areas we serve.”

A large number people from the nearby villages, other senior government officials, officials from Tata Steel and Tata Steel Foundation were present on the occasion.

Related Odisha News

One 18-year-old youth missing in Garjankhol waterfall

ANGUL:In a shocking incident,one 18-year-old youth was swept away while taking bath at Garjankhol water fall,situated on Angul-Keonjhar border at Nagira Panchayat under Pallahara police station.The incident occurred yesterday while,the youth Lipun Behera along with his two friends had gone to ....

District minister reviews developmental works with officials in Dhenkanal

DHENKANAL: The minister for food supply and consumer affairs Krishna Chandra Patra today held a review meeting at Sadbhavana conference hall with district officials. He reviewed various developmental projects going on in the district and about progress of land acquisition for upcoming medical....

Odisha BJP govt is mortgaged by TATA Power, says Congress

By Jagadananda Pradhan BHUBANESWAR: The nexus between the electricity distribution company Tata Power and the state BJP government have led to the exploitation of electricity consumers across the state,Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee alleged. Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leade....

Hindol Bar Association President Stabbed in Dhenkanal Village

DHENKANAL: Hindol Bar Association President Sushil Garnaik,50 was repeatedly stabbed by a man on Monday night at his village while he was sitting at a shop.Garnaik sustaining serious injuries on his stomach and back was first rushed to Dhenkanal District Medical and then was shifted to a private ho....

Youth arrested on kidnapping and raping minor in Pallahara

ANGUL: Pallahara police have arrested one 21-year-youth on the charge of kidnapping and having physical relationship with a 15-year-old girl of that area.The girl was first reported missing and after her rescue she alleged forcible physical relationship by the youth.The arrested youth is Tiku ....