What’s Next for Odisha’s Irrigation Projects? Insights from Deputy CM Singh Deo's Review Meeting

Review Meeting on Irrigation Projects

Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo led a significant review meeting at the Lok Seva Bhavan Conference Hall to evaluate the status of the Upper Lanth and Lower Indra Irrigation Projects. The session included Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, along with other senior officials. Singh Deo urged the Water Resources department to expedite the implementation of these projects.

Highlighting the transformative potential of these initiatives, he stated that their completion would provide irrigation to approximately 29,900 hectares of farmland in Bolangir and Nuapada districts. The Deputy CM emphasized that these projects would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also bolster related agricultural activities, elevate rural incomes, and significantly mitigate distress migration in the area. He called on officials to promptly address any procedural challenges, such as land acquisition, compensation, environmental approvals, and resettlement issues. "Report such matters to me directly for immediate action," Singh Deo remarked. Anu Garg facilitated an in-depth discussion regarding both the technical and administrative facets of the projects.

Chandrashekhar Padhy, the Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources department, along with senior engineers and officials, participated in the discussions. District Collectors from Bolangir and Nuapada, along with representatives from the Forest Department, joined the meeting virtually to provide field updates.