Sambalpur: Impulsive Actions, Misguided Instructions; PHD & WATCO Returning to Old Office After 4 Months in Deplorable Conditions
Sambalpur: The Sambalpur Public Health Division (PHD) and the WATCO division, which only supplies water to the Sambalpur metropolis, were initially dismantled to make way for stadium expansion. As a result, all officers and employees were instructed to vacate the permanent office. For the past four months, the division has been operating in deplorable conditions in a small office in Ainthapali. Preparations are underway to return to the old office. It has been claimed that air conditioners, furniture, and other items from the old office were sold at low prices. The question arises: who is liable for this loss, and who will compensate? Authorities have been accused of acting rashly and issuing incorrect instructions, resulting in damage to government property.
Previous Government’s Stadium Expansion Plans
Previously, the state government announced plans to demolish the VSS Stadium in Sambalpur and build a new one for an estimated cost of 350 crores. On February 27, then-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the groundwork for the new stadium following this plan. Following that, a Sports Department and IDCO team conducted a survey and directed the relocation of the PHD and NCC Group Commandant’s offices within the stadium grounds. However, NCC officers refused to relocate without alternative arrangements, while PHD officials and employees relocated to a smaller office in Ainthapali. The small office in Ainthapali, which only has three officer rooms and two halls, was unable to accommodate everyone. Meanwhile, the recently renovated permanent office, which cost 10 crores, was vacated.
Online Sambalpur Is Now On WhatsApp!
Join us for the latest news updates delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
Subscribe Us On YouTube!
Join us for the latest news updates and video content delivered directly to you.
Current Relocation Efforts
With the new government in place, policies have shifted. The District Collector gave verbal instructions to relocate the PHD back to its old office during a review meeting on the 25th of last month in the Zilla Parishad Hall, which was attended by Rural Development Minister Rabinarayan Nayak and Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra. Preparations are underway following these instructions. PHD Chief Engineer Swagat Nayak stated that the relocation process has begun following the District Collector’s instructions to return to the old office. Some maintenance work is underway, but the relocation has not yet occurred. Although no official letter was received for the previous relocation, there was also no letter for the return.
Illegal Sale of Furniture and Equipment
Concerned citizens claim that after the PHD office relocation, many furniture items, air conditioners, and iron materials were sold at low prices. A memorandum was submitted to Minister Rabinarayan Nayak, demanding an impartial investigation into this alleged corruption and appropriate action. The PHD’s permanent office was renovated a few years ago at a cost of 10 crores. Almost all rooms in the office, including officers’ chambers, now have air conditioners installed. However, during the relocation, the majority of these air conditioners were reportedly sold. Individuals such as Pradeep Supakar, Subhasini Pattnaik, Santosini Nayak, and Ranjan Hota have made these claims.
