CM Naveen Launches Irrigation Projects Worth Rs 3,160 Cr

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to the agriculture sector, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched four major irrigation projects worth Rs 3,160 in the State.

The CM also dedicated the Haldia Dam along with Baitarni Left Canal of Anandpur Barrage Project.

River Baitarni is connected to Salandi rivers by the 28 km long left canal of Anandpur barrage. The project will help irrigation of 2,221 hectares of land in Hatadihi and Anandpur blocks of Keonjhar district. 56,550 hectares of land will be irrigated in seven blocks of Balasore district during Rabi season, according to an official release.

Besides, the water stored in Salandi Dam will be used to irrigate 50,000 hectares lands during Rabi season. A total of 1,08,771 hectares of agricultural land will get irrigation facilities.

The Haldia Dam is a part of the Subarnarekha Irrigation Project. So far, 62,480 hectares of land have been irrigated through the Project, while another 5,520 hectares of land can get irrigation facilities through Haldia Dam.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the second phase of the Subarnarekha irrigation project and the Khairi Bandhan barrage. A total of 39,694 hectares of agricultural land in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts will get irrigation facilities after the implementation of the second phase of Subarnarekha Irrigation Project. Similarly, barrage work will be started on Khairi Bandhan river near Amlabani village in Mayurbhanj district. This will provide irrigation facilities to 6,950 hectares of agricultural land in three blocks and drinking water to 35,000 people.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “We are moving forward with the farmers who are the backbone of our economy. I am always with them. I am working for them and will continue to do,”
The CM further said, “The welfare of farmers and the development of agriculture has always been my priority. Every day I meet farmers from different parts of the state. I am very happy to know that our welfare programs for farmers are working well”.

The KALIA Yojana for farmers, interest-free loan up to Rs 1 lakh, free crop insurance, provision of employment for the children of farmers and many more programs are continuing.

He pointed out that the farming community is well connected with various welfare programmes. Female members of the community have been most involved in the Mission Shakti program. The farmers will get most benefit from new programs ‘Aam Odisha Nabin Odisha’ and ‘LAccMI Yojana etc.

Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, who attended the program in Mayurbhanj district, said that more than 80% of people in our state depend on agriculture. Be it the agriculture sector or irrigation sector, the Chief Minister is giving importance to the development of all fields. She said that the Chief Minister is taking steps to ensure water for every farmland.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sudam Marndi thanked the Chief Minister on behalf of the people of the district. He said after the implementation of these two irrigation projects, there will be a lot of improvement in the agricultural sector in the district.

Attending the program, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK. Pandian said that the Chief Minister has always given importance to the improvement of irrigation and the welfare of farmers.