CM launches water body repair scheme in Ganjam

BERHAMPUR: The irrigation sector in the state is likely to get boost with the chief minister Naveen Patnaik launching the repair and renovation of the water bodies, mostly related to minor irrigation projects, under the repair, renovation and restoration (RRR) scheme of the government. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his visit to Ganjam district on Thursday launched ‘Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies' project in Orissa. The project is a joint venture of State and Central governments. Existing minor irrigation projects will be renovated under the project for the benefit of farmers. During his eight-hour whirlwind tour to the areas of his home constituency Hinjli, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for works to be taken up under the project. He laid the foundation for three such projects in Shergarh block. These projects were Kanaka Bandha at Kulagarh, Sagar Bandha at Sagarpalli and Kumutibandh of Terikarijhola. Thirty medium irrigation projects in Shergarh block and 24 in Hinjli block will be renovated under the project. They are part of Hinjli Assembly segment represented by Mr. Patnaik.

In total, 782 minor irrigation projects will get a facelift in Ganjam district under the project. More than Rs. 240 crores will be spent on them. Most minor irrigation projects in Ganjam district depend on rain. It may be noted that in 2004-05 a pilot project of ‘Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies' was taken up in Ganjam district. Under it 24 minor irrigation projects were provided a new lease of life. He reached Hinjli by helicopter from Bhubaneswar at around 9.30 a.m. and departed for State capital at around 4.30. In between he managed to attend 22 inauguration and foundation-stone laying ceremonies of public amenities in different parts of Hinjli and Shergarh blocks. The chief minister today laid foundation stone for repair and renovation of three MIPs in Ganjam district’s Sheragada block during his day-long visit to the district. The MIPs included Kanaka Bandha at Kullagada, Kumuti Bandha at Kerikerijhola and Sagara Bandhh at Bhusunda. As many as 1761 water bodies in 21 out of 30 districts of the state will be revived with an estimated cost of Rs 595.14 crore over next three years.

Source: The Hindu & Business Standard