Odisha government has approved a revised rehabilitation assistance package of Rs 8,48,63,932 (Rs 8.48 crore) for 78 displaced families affected by the Chheligada Irrigation Project in Gajapati district.
The official sanction order, issued today by the Department of Water Resources, covers families from the villages of Suguba, Tiligaon, Chadiapada, Kakili, and Bidyadharapur.
This enhanced package follows the 9th Biennial Revision of the Odisha Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2006, and ensures that affected families receive updated support aligned with current economic realities.
Key Highlights:
- The amount will be released only after complete relocation of the families.
- All payments will be made directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for complete transparency.
- The Special Land Acquisition-cum-Rehabilitation & Resettlement Officer (MIP), Mahendragada, has been directed to conduct thorough verification of documents, display the beneficiary list publicly, and take strict action against any fake claims.
- The entire expenditure will be met from the 2026-27 state budget.
This decision reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring that no family displaced by development projects is left behind. By mandating strict verification and DBT payments, the government aims to eliminate middlemen and deliver benefits directly to the rightful recipients.
The move is expected to bring much-needed financial security and dignity to the 78 families who have waited for fair rehabilitation while contributing to Odisha’s irrigation and agricultural growth through the Chheligada project.
