Jagatsinghpur: The zilla parishad president, Mr Natabar Barik, has sought cooperation from all members for proper implementation of various programmes in the district. At the zilla parishad meeting held here yesterday, Mr Barik informed that Rs 9 crore has been sanctioned for the protection of the Devi river embankment at Bhandishai under the Naugaon block. This amount has to be utilised properly, he said, while urging the members to check the misuse of funds.

Mr Barik focused on extending irrigation facilities and ensured that water should reach the canal end, so that agricultural fields at the tail end of the canal would have water.

Disbursement of old age pension and widow pension in the district was also discussed at the meeting. The Erasama legislator, Mr Damodar Rout, stressed on the need for special steps to irrigate the saline affected lands in Erasama, Balikuda and Nauagaon areas.

The Jagatsinghpur MLA, Mr Bishnu Das, and the Balikuda legislator, Mr Umesh Swain, were also present in the meeting. The elected members also highlighted problems relating to the implementation of various programmes. They discussed about the drainage system, schemes, the sadak yojana, sanitation and water supply activities, education programme, electricity, social welfare and other activities.