The Odisha government has announced an ambitious plan to launch 31 large and medium irrigation projects, 27 barrages, and 72 ISS projects, with a staggering sanctioned expenditure of Rs 51,000 crore.
This was disclosed during the Question Hour in the state Assembly by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling on behalf of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Despite the promising future plans, members of the Assembly voiced concerns over existing incomplete projects. Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati highlighted the closure of the Telengiri irrigation project, urging the government for swift action before the upcoming rainy season.
Adding to the worries, senior BJD MLA Prasanna Acharya brought up the Mahanadi water dispute. He pointed out the detrimental impact of eight barrages constructed in Chhattisgarh on the Hirakud Dam, which has led to the drying up of its lower reaches. Acharya questioned the cancellation of tenders for Instream Storage Projects by the previous government and inquired about the state’s plans to build new barrages downstream of Hirakud Dam.
Minister Mahaling addressed these concerns, reiterating the repeated discussions on the Chhattisgarh dams and highlighting that the state is preparing DPRs for numerous new projects within the next eight months.
In addition, Sarada Jena questioned the status of the Gobari River, Ramachandra Kadam asked about the Semiliguda irrigation project, and Badasahi BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli raised issues regarding the Subarnarekha irrigation project. Bijuli pointed out the multiple inaugurations by the former Chief Minister without any subsequent water supply to farmers.
Speaker Surama Padhy raised a critical issue regarding Nayagarh, where 127 borewells have been idle for 7 to 8 years due to a lack of electricity connections. Minister Mahaling promised to discuss this with the departmental officers and take necessary action.
The Odisha government’s ambitious plans for new irrigation projects are met with the pressing need to resolve existing issues, ensuring a better future for the state’s agriculture and water management.
