Odisha CM Unveils Rs.75.60-Crore Rehabilitation Package for 1,371 Golabandha Displaced Families
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odisahabarta
Bramhapur, August 28, 2026: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday launched a special Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package worth Rs.75.60 crore for 1,371 Fisherman (Nolia) families displaced from Golabandha in Ganjam district, bringing relief to families who had been awaiting rehabilitation for more than four decades.
The package was unveiled at a special programme held at Golabandha, where the Chief Minister also distributed land and house pattas to 96 of the 112 families displaced by the Cheligada Medium Irrigation Project in the first phase.
Women from Golabandha welcomed Chief Minister Majhi by tying rakhis before he formally handed over land pattas to the beneficiaries on the stage.
Addressing the gathering, Majhi said the issue of Golabandha’s displaced residents had remained unresolved for over four decades following the transfer of their land for the Army Air Defence College in 1984. He said his government had accorded priority to the long-pending issue and was committed to ensuring permanent rehabilitation and secure rights for the affected families.
Under the special R&R package, each of the 1,371 eligible families will receive one-time financial assistance of Rs.5 lakh through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to support economic self-reliance. A total of Rs.68.55 crore has been allocated for this component.
Another Rs.4.25 crore has been earmarked for housing assistance. The funds will be utilised to complete 998 incomplete houses and construct 10 new houses.
More than Rs.2.80 crore has also been sanctioned for infrastructure development at the new Kirtipur Colony. The proposed facilities include roads, street lighting, an Anganwadi centre, market complex, public toilets, cyclone shelters and beach-levelling facilities for fishing boats.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the rehabilitation of families displaced by the Cheligada Medium Irrigation Project. The 112 affected families are being resettled at Santrapur in Digapahandi, with each family entitled to 10 decimals of homestead land and two acres of agricultural land. Pattas for 96 families were distributed during Thursday’s programme, while the remaining beneficiaries will receive their pattas shortly.
Majhi said the Cheligada project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of next year, is expected to provide irrigation benefits to more than 6,000 hectares of land in Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
Speaking about development initiatives in Ganjam, the Chief Minister said the state government was giving special emphasis to the blue economy. He referred to the proposed renovation of the Arjipalli Fishing Harbour and development of 28 fish landing centres across the region.
He also highlighted the expansion of Gopalpur Port and the proposed Bahuda Mega Port, estimated to involve an investment of around ₹21,500 crore.
Majhi said investments exceeding ₹40,000 crore through 14 projects at the Gopalpur Industrial Park are expected to generate employment opportunities for more than 18,000 young people. He urged the youth to acquire industry-relevant skills, stating that Odisha is projected to create more than five lakh jobs over the next two years.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said fulfilling people’s aspirations remained a major objective of the government. He said the Revenue Department had taken steps to expedite the long-pending rehabilitation process and assured that necessary facilities and opportunities would be extended to the displaced families without unnecessary delay in the distribution of land pattas.
Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said the proposed investments at Gopalpur Industrial Park and the Bahuda Mega Port would substantially increase employment opportunities and transform the commercial landscape of Ganjam district.
MSME, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick said the government was strengthening the marine economy through renovation of the Arjipalli Fishing Harbour and establishment of 28 fish landing centres. He added that new MSME initiatives were also being implemented to promote economic self-reliance among women and youth.
Tight Security Arrangements for CM’s Visit
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the Chief Minister’s visit to Golabandha. The entire police system was deployed, with senior police officers, personnel from different units and local police teams assigned to various security points and strategic locations. Police personnel were deployed along the approach roads, programme venue, entry and exit points and other sensitive locations to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Chief Minister’s programme. Security arrangements were closely monitored by senior police officials throughout the event.
Several MPs, MLAs, senior state government officials and district administration officials attended the programme.
