Soren lays foundation of development projects in Dumka.

Chief minister Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone of three drinking water supply projects and a road widening scheme for rural populace here on the first day of his three-day scheduled visit to Dumka.

While addressing the gathering at Navadih under Asansol panchayat of the district, Soren said providing safe drinking water to rural populace tops his list of priorities. Soren also iterated his commitment to the welfare of the displaced people of the Masanjor Dam, constructed in 1956. People who lost land to the dam are yet to receive compensation from the government.

Foundation stones for drinking water facilities were also laid at Jhajha para and Basmatta. Two other drinking water supply schemes at Sidpahadi and Kolakonda villages will be announced. The total cost of the five water supply systems, undertaken by the drinking water and sanitation department, is estimated to cost Rs. 77.41 crore approximately.

The CM also laid the foundation stone for the widening of 14.7km stretch between Pattabari and Masanjor, under the road construction department, at the cost of Rs. 39 crore approximately. Although the work for the drinking water supply projects were going on for the last several months, the move to lay foundation stones is widely viewed here to be an attempt to take political mileage ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Soren will lay the foundation stone for samaharnalaya building and a bridge over Hengri River in Kolhadia apart from inaugurating newly constructed bridges in Pusaro and Bedia villages .

TOI