Kandhamal MP Sukanta Panigrahi engages with community leaders, says industrialisation heralds inclusive growth
By Arpita Swain
Jagatsinghpur (Odisha), Oct. 17: Member of Parliament from Kandhamal, Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, on Wednesday interacted with community representatives and residents of Nuagaon Gram Panchayat to discuss the proposed JSW Steel Plant project and its potential to foster inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
During the meeting, held at the Nuagaon Panchayat office near Sishu Udyan, Panigrahi engaged with around 30 community influencers and local residents, emphasising the importance of continuous dialogue between citizens, industry, and policymakers.
Panigrahi said industrialisation should not only accelerate economic growth but also bring tangible benefits to local communities.
“Industrial progress must translate into real gains for the local people — whether through jobs, improved livelihoods, or protection of the natural environment,” he underlined.
The MP urged residents to extend constructive cooperation toward the upcoming steel plant while articulating their concerns through proper administrative channels. He called for responsible industrialisation that upholds both economic aspirations and ecological balance, stressing that growth must remain inclusive and people-centric.
“The industry must take accountability for the welfare of the community while contributing to the state’s economy,” Panigrahi added.
The discussion also centred on maintaining peaceful engagement between villagers and project authorities to ensure smooth implementation of development initiatives. Panigrahi encouraged the community to view the JSW project as a shared opportunity for progress, provided that environmental and social safeguards are duly respected.
Local residents welcomed the MP’s outreach as a positive step toward bridging communication gaps between the people and authorities. They expressed optimism that the JSW project would generate substantial employment, spur ancillary development, and enhance living standards across Jagatsinghpur district.
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Photograph: Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi (centre) interacts with community leaders in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district.
