Anu Garg Reviews Canal Works of Anandapur Barrage Project, Reaffirms 2027 Completion Goal

Keonjhar: As part of her ongoing visit to Keonjhar district, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Anu Garg, conducted an on-site review of the Anandapur Barrage Project, one of Odisha’s most ambitious irrigation initiatives. The inspection focused on the progress of the project’s two major canal systems and aimed at ensuring timely delivery of benefits to farmers.

Accompanied by senior officials including the Engineer-in-Chief, Chief Construction Engineer, ADM Keonjhar, and Sub-Collector Anandapur, the ACS inspected the execution of the main canal works and assessed on-ground developments. She emphasized strict adherence to timelines and called for coordinated efforts to fast-track project components that remain pending.

The Anandapur Barrage Project is envisioned to bring irrigation to 60,000 hectares of agricultural land across Keonjhar and Balasore districts. Beneficiary blocks include Hatadihi, Anandapur, and Ghasipura in Keonjhar, as well as Oupada, Nilagiri, Bahanaga, Balasore Sadar, Remuna, and Soro in Balasore. The project also supports intra-basin water transfer to address regional irrigation needs.

Notable progress has been made in the Salandi Left Main Canal (SLMC), which spans 56.923 km and has already facilitated irrigation over 12,803 hectares. Simultaneously, construction of the Baitarani Right Bank Canal (BRBC) is underway in three separate packages. Additionally, an agreement is expected soon to deliver irrigation to another 3,450 hectares through Underground Pipeline (UGPL) systems under both BRBC and BLBC.

Garg underscored the need to expedite the UGPL and remaining canal works, setting June 2027 as the target for project completion in line with Odisha Vision 2036. She also directed district authorities to resolve land acquisition hurdles and facilitate the supply of minor minerals, both of which are critical to avoiding construction delays.