Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for crucial irrigation projects in Kalahandi, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, and Angul districts, marking a significant step towards enhancing agricultural capabilities in the region. The projects include the Sandul Barrage in Kalahandi, Manjore Irrigation Project in Angul, and the Rengali Dam and Samal Barrage Canal System.
With a focus on providing irrigation facilities to farmlands across Kalahandi, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, and Angul, these initiatives are poised to benefit more than 32,000 acres of land. The Rengali Dam and Samal Barrage Canal System, implemented in phases, have already completed the Darpani Branch Canal (27.5 km), Narsinghpur Branch Canal (19.5 km), and underground pipeline work, irrigating 15,000 acres in Cuttack and Dhenkanal districts.
The Manjore project’s expansion in Athmallik is another successful endeavor, set to irrigate 5,000 acres of land in 28 villages. Additionally, the Sandul Barrage project in Kalahandi, now complete, will see the Chief Minister laying the foundation stone for an underground pipeline project, benefiting 12,500 acres of farmland.
Addressing farmers, Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted the rapid completion of irrigation projects under the 5T initiative in the state. In the past year, major projects like Upper Indravati, Lower Indra, Deo, Subaranrekha, and Lower Suktel have been completed, ensuring a steady water supply.
Underlining his commitment to farmers’ welfare, Patnaik mentioned various initiatives, including the KALIA Yojana, interest-free loans, free crop insurance, and scholarship schemes for children of farming families. He expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of these schemes, linking farmer families with welfare and development programs.
Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, participating through video conferencing, praised the Chief Minister’s visionary approach to transforming the irrigation sector. She noted the significant role played by female farmers in the state’s agricultural success.
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Ranendra Pratap Swain, acknowledged the Chief Minister’s unprecedented efforts in irrigation sector development, leading to a massive transformation.
The program, coordinated by 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Kartik Pandian, included the announcement of ‘Nua-O Chatrabruti,’ an annual scholarship for students. Local MLAs and farmers expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for prioritizing farmer welfare programs.
The Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department and Development Commissioner, Anu Garg, highlighted the government’s consistent focus on water resource development. The completion of Sandul project in Kalahandi district, initiated under the 5T initiative, five months ahead of schedule, exemplifies the state’s commitment to agricultural development.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department.