Bargarh: With three irrigation projects in Ambabhona block of Bargarh district lying defunct most of the time, it seems that Rs100 crore spent on these projects have gone down the drain. These projects have failed to serve their purpose, especially when a drought-like situation prevails in the region.
In the absence of rain as well as irrigation facilities, farmlands in the locality have developed cracks. Paddy crops on highland fields have already gone waste, leaving the farmers a worried lot.
Responding to the farmers’ pleas, the state government had launched the Parvati Giri Mega Irrigation Project. Under this, three mega irrigation projects at a cost of Rs 99.69 crore were constructed in Chikhili, Tamadei and Antaradi (Jamapali) areas of Ambabhona block. They were made operational in 2018.
The objective of these three projects was to irrigate 4,720 hectares of agricultural land in 41 villages in the riparian zone of the Mahanadi river.
The Chikhili mega irrigation project was meant to irrigate 2,000 hectares of farmland in Chikhili, Ruchida, Narangpur, Badasareipali, Benianpali, Bhalutal, Sahlepali, Barangakote and Bhukta villages and also supply water to 14 ponds. This project was constructed at a cost of Rs 42,24,00,000.
Similarly, spending Rs 29,57,00,000, the Tamadei project was constructed with the objective to irrigate 1,400 hectares of farmland in Bungapali, Lether, Ramkhol, Udeipali, Uttam, Lelehar, Chandipali, Tileimal, Darlipali, Hatikhuja and Lakhanpur. Besides this, water from this project was also to be supplied to 11 ponds in the region.
The third project aimed to provide water to 1,300 hectares of farmland in Samapali, Kapasira, Satidrha, Baigapali, Ludupali, Ambabhona, Ghughurapali, Antaradi, Kahneipali, Budhipali, Bugabugi, Kusamuda, Banjhipali and Jamapali and also to 15 ponds in the locality.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the projects through video conferencing September 8, 2018. After the inauguration of the much awaited projects, farmers were hopeful that their days of sufferings would end soon. But that did not happen.
In this regard, secretary, Lal Bahadur Shastri Krushak Sangathan, Shankar Khamari said that the farmers have been demanding an anicut or a barrage on the Mahanadi river. But, nothing has been done in this regard. This resulted in the present crisis.
Expressing his concern over the failure of the projects, ex-sarpanch Saroj Danasena said, in addition to technical faults, poor and erratic electric supply have rendered the projects worth around Rs100 crore useless. “I urge the concerned authorities to inspect the projects and take necessary measures so that they become capable of delivering results,” he added.
When contacted, the department engineer Samir Sahu said release of water from the projects depends on rainfall in the upper end. “Presently, water is being supplied from all the projects,” he claimed.
PNN
