Rairangpur/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Rairangpur in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district on June 20 and announce several development initiatives for the region, according to Mayurbhanj MP Naba Charan Majhi.

Speaking to reporters, the MP said information regarding the proposed visit has been received from Rashtrapati Bhavan. However, the final schedule of the Prime Minister's tour is yet to be officially confirmed.

Majhi also informed that President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Rairangpur on June 19, a day before the Prime Minister's proposed visit. The President hails from Rairangpur, and the area holds special significance as her hometown.

According to the MP, Prime Minister Modi had earlier promised to visit President Murmu's native place before the completion of her tenure. The proposed visit is seen as the fulfilment of that commitment.

During his visit, Modi is expected to address a large public gathering in Rairangpur and unveil a series of development packages for the region.

Odisha's first Indian Institute of Forest Management proposed in Mayurbhanj

One of the key highlights of the visit is likely to be the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) at Suliduma in Kusumi block. The institute would be the first of its kind in Odisha and is expected to strengthen forest management education, research, and wildlife conservation efforts in the state.

State Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said the institute would also boost scientific wildlife forensic capabilities in Odisha. At present, seized tiger skins and other wildlife samples are sent to Dehradun for scientific examination. Once the facility becomes operational, such tests can be conducted within the state, significantly improving the speed and efficiency of wildlife crime investigations.

The proposed visits by both the President and the Prime Minister are expected to draw significant attention to Mayurbhanj district and could pave the way for major infrastructure and development projects in the region.

An official confirmation and detailed itinerary for the high-profile visits are awaited.