Lower Suktel project in Balangir likely to be completed by 2023-24

BHUBANESWAR: The Lower Suktel irrigation project in Balangir district is expected to be completed by 2023-24 as the state government has expedited its implementation.
State water resources secretary Anu Garg recently reviewed the progress of the project, along with several other medium and major irrigation projects, which are under implementation. Garg asked the officials to resolve the pending issues related to rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) and expedite the earthwork and spillway construction of the project.
Though chief minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation for the project in 2001, its implementation has been delayed for years owing to the locals’ resistance to it over the R&R issue.Sources said the administration has started providing alternate land to the affected people.
The project is expected to irrigate nearly 32,000 hectares of land in Balangir and Sonepur districts. The status of the implementation of the Gangadhar Meher Lift Canal System was also reviewed by the water resources secretary. The project was announced ahead of the 2017 Bijepur byelection and aims to irrigate around 25,600 hectares of drought-hit areas in Bijepur areas in Bargarh district.
“The progress of the project is satisfactory. The physical target set for the first quarter has been almost achieved. Due emphasis was given for the implementation of the project within the schedule during the meeting,” a senior official said. Officials said over Rs 1200 crore will be spent on the project expected to be ready before 2023-24.
Among others, the progress of Anandapur barrage project, the Mahanadi Chitratpola island irrigation project, the Subaranarekha irrigation project, the Rengali right and left bank canal projects, the Kanupur irrigation project and Chheligada irrigation project were reviewed.