Jajpur: As irrigation is the key to growth of agriculture sector, the state and central governments have given thrust on boosting irrigation system. However, many minor irrigation projects have failed to deliver services to farmers in Jajpur.
Keeping in view the miserable condition of minor irrigation projects (MIPs) across the state, the government has formed a technical advisory committee (TAC) to look into the status of MIPs, explore their capacity expansion and extension of irrigational coverage.
It was learnt that the TAC will examine drawbacks, technical faults in construction of all the projects under minor irrigation department and suggest ways to remove bottlenecks.
Dams, tunnels, sluice gates and power houses will be examined by the TAC. Farmers have alleged that there have been big irregularities in construction of MIPs in Jajpur for which the projects are unable to meet the irrigational targets set by the government.
They are hopeful that the TAC will look into the irregularities and take necessary action. As per information available from the minor irrigation department, there are 58 MIPs in 9 blocks in the district.
The department has claimed that these projects irrigate 8,091 hectares of land. However, in the current year, these projects have irrigated only 4,479 hectares, the department has said.
The district has received fund to the tune of Rs 3.50 crore for maintenance of MIPs in 2020-2021. But it was alleged that such massive fund has not been utilised properly as contractors have allegedly minted money by compromising with quality work.
As a result, many MIPs are unable to deliver water in the targeted areas. The MIPs at Bhangabandh, Mangalpur, Ranibandh, Dholapathar, Badajuri, Damashala, Gandanala and Bhalukipatala are among the projects which have failed to achieve their objectives.
Canals of these projects are choked with siltation and weeds. Though the department is carrying out repair and maintenance at regular intervals, condition of these projects has not improved.
Farmers said, “In urgency, we are unable to get water from these projects to save crops. The hope that we have on MIPs to save crops during drought is vanishing. In case of drought, our economy is broken.”
They observed that if the TAC works in the larger interest of farmers, capacity of MIPs can be expanded. The TAC comprises the chief engineer of the water resources department, chief engineer of the planning and design department, top engineers of survey and investigation and monitoring wings.
G.Ramkrushnan, executive engineer of the MIP, said the department takes steps to ensure targeted irrigation coverage of the projects. He denied allegation of irregularities in te MIP maintenance.
PNN
