Deputy CM Reviews Upper Lanth and Lower Indra Irrigation Projects, Stresses Timely Execution to Curb Migration and Boost Agriculture

Bhubaneswar: In a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan on Tuesday, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo emphasized the transformative potential of the Upper Lanth and Lower Indra Irrigation Projects, which aim to provide irrigation to nearly 29,900 hectares of agricultural land in Balangir and Nuapada districts. The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials from the Water Resources Department.

Calling the project a game-changer for the region, Singhdeo stated that the irrigation facilities would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also open avenues for allied farming, enabling farmers to grow multiple crops and pursue sustainable livelihoods. “With proper implementation, this project has the power to reduce distressed migration by creating local employment opportunities,” the Deputy CM asserted.

He directed departmental officials to fast-track the implementation and resolve bottlenecks such as land acquisition, compensation disbursement, forest and environmental clearances, and the rehabilitation of displaced families. Singhdeo also instructed officers to promptly escalate any issues causing procedural delays to his notice for immediate intervention.

Development Commissioner Anu Garg conducted a comprehensive review of the project’s progress and interacted with officials to assess field-level challenges and timelines.

The review meeting was attended by Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department Chandrashekhar Padhy, senior technical experts, and department officers. District Collectors of Nuapada and Balangir, along with senior forest officials, participated virtually.