Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan Lays Foundation Stone for 2.9-Km Drain from BALCO Cooling Tower to Risda Bridge
TFP Bureau Korba, May 28,2026: In a major step towards strengthening civic infrastructure and addressing chronic waterlogging issues in Korba, Chhattisgarh Cabinet Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a major roadside drainage project in the Shantinagar area.
The project involves the construction of a nearly 2.9-kilometre-long drainage system stretching from the BALCO cooling tower to Risda Bridge. Korba Mayor Sanju Devi Rajput was also present during the foundation stone laying ceremony.
Officials said the drainage project is estimated to cost around ₹5 crore, with funding being shared equally between the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Construction work is expected to begin after completion of the tendering process.
The proposed drainage infrastructure is expected to provide long-term relief from waterlogging in the Shantinagar area, particularly during the monsoon season. Residents are also expected to benefit from improved road mobility and better civic amenities once the project is completed.
Public representatives and officials described the initiative as an important intervention for improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar Singh, CEO of Bharat Aluminium Company, said the project reflects BALCO’s continued commitment towards community infrastructure development and improving living conditions in surrounding areas.
He stated that BALCO’s community outreach programmes had positively impacted over 1.8 lakh people during the financial year 2025-26 and thanked local communities for their continued trust and cooperation.
Officials highlighted that the ongoing partnership between the district administration and BALCO has accelerated infrastructure development across the Korba region. They pointed to recent initiatives such as the upgradation of the Bajrang Chowk–Risda Bridge (Parsabhatha Road), bridge repair works, and modern road development projects as examples of collaborative development efforts.
Through sustained interventions in sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood generation, Bharat Aluminium Company continues to contribute towards inclusive regional development and improved living standards in nearby communities, officials added.
