Rs 20 Lakh Rural Park Project Takes Off at Raipalli with Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony, Bringing New Recreational Facilities Closer to Villagers

Asika, Sept 15 [UDN}:, 2026: With the objective of creating modern civic amenities in rural areas and improving the quality of life of villagers, the foundation stone for a ‘Rural Park’ project was laid at Raipalli village under Gunthapada Gram Panchayat in the Asika Assembly constituency.

The project is estimated to cost ₹20 lakh and will be implemented under the Odisha Government’s ‘Bikashit Gaon, Bikashit Odisha’ (Developed Village, Developed Odisha) scheme, administered by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department. The scheme places emphasis on strengthening rural infrastructure and providing better public amenities to villagers.

As part of this initiative, steps have been taken to construct a rural park at Raipalli. Asika MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi attended the programme as the chief guest and laid the foundation stone for the project.

The arrival of the MLA generated considerable enthusiasm among local residents. A large number of men and women, along with a women’s Sankirtan group, welcomed him warmly. The MLA was taken around the village in a procession and felicitated by the villagers.

Later, a public meeting was organised at the Raipalli Village Kalyan Mandap under the chairmanship of MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi. Samiti Member Narayan Swain coordinated the meeting.

Among those present were Block Vice-Chairperson S. Reshma Dora, BDO Rajendra Prasad Nayak, MLA representative Sandeep Padhi, Sangeet Padhi, Paikajamuna BJP leader Satyaban Sahu, Badakholli’s Bijay Nayak, Block ATMA Chairman Bijay Kumar Swain, Niranjan Mohanty, Kisan Morcha President Asit Swain, Gunthapada Mandal President Rabindra Gaud, along with several party workers and other leaders.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the overall development of the area, strengthening the party organisation at the grassroots level, empowerment of farmers and women, and establishing direct connections with rural residents.

The participants also discussed measures to ensure that the benefits of various welfare schemes of the Central and Odisha Governments reach eligible people at the grassroots level. Emphasis was placed on working collectively towards the vision of a ‘Developed Odisha’ and accelerating development in rural areas.