Sajanagad: Even as the agriculture sector in some parts of the state suffers a setback in the absence of irrigation facility, Sataghati irrigation project at the foothills of Kuladiha sanctuary in Balasore cries for renovation.
Locals and experts say the scenic place has good tourism potential if the government takes initiatives for its development.
According to reports, Sataghati irrigation project, otherwise known as Ghagara, is 13 km away from the Nilagiri sub-division. The project was built in 1979. The check dam was 8.54 metre high while its sprawled over an area of 4 sq/km.
The project came under the minor irrigation department in 1980. But since then, the project has not been renovated. Over the years, it has become shallow due to heavy siltation. Thousands of farmers in the area fail to get benefits of irrigation as the project’s canal systems are too narrow to meet the needs of farming.
Nilagiri is a tribal-dominated block. The area has been declared an eco-sensitive zone due to the presence of the Kuladiha sanctuary and therefore no stone mining or industrial activities are allowed in the area. Most of the local people migrate outside in search of jobs.
People of nearby villages suggest that if the government takes up the project’s renovation from its north-western side, the dam may be able to increase its water containing capacity.
“Thousands of hectares of farmland in Sajanagad, Siadimal, Jadida and Jamudiha would get benefits of irrigation. The project, once renovated, will provide the much-needed impetus to the agriculture sector which directly will create livelihood opportunities for thousands of people,” they said.
Besides, the place is quite charming, particularly at the twilight when a variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards and deer make a beeline from the sanctuary towards the dam to drink while some animals resort to water sports to cool themselves.
The tourism and environment departments should put up united efforts to explore the project’s tourism potential and develop required infrastructure, the locals said.
The area, if developed with facilities, will definitely attract a large number of tourists from neighbouring Jharkhand and West Bengal. The government will generate huge amount of revenue while the tourism sector will provide avenues of earning for jobless local people, experts noted. PNN