Bhubaneswar: To enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers in water-stressed regions, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, on Friday approved key irrigation projects.
These include the comprehensive distribution system for Hadua Irrigation Project in Cuttack district and multiple lift irrigation schemes under the ambitious Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme across several districts.
The Cabinet cleared the tender for constructing an extensive underground pipeline (UGPL) distribution system for the project along with operation and maintenance of complete commissioned schemes for five years. This medium irrigation initiative targets drought-prone areas in 76 villages of Baramba block and five villages each of Narasinghpur and Tigiria blocks. It involves building a reservoir across the Hadua River near Kharod village, along with a modern pressurised pipeline network to deliver assured irrigation to a cultivable command area of 3,641 hectares.
The approved execution cost (excluding GST) is Rs 135.75 crore, with an additional Rs 6.86 crore allocated for operation and maintenance (O&M) over five years.
“The system will promote adoption of micro-irrigation practices, enabling farmers to shift from high duty paddy crops to cash crops. The project is expected to significantly improve the socio-economic condition of the farmers and contribute to the overall development of the region,” an official release said.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved several lift irrigation projects under the Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme (Phase-II), which has a total outlay of Rs 10,759.20 crore. The scheme aims to provide supplemental Kharif irrigation to upland areas covering about 2.63 lakh hectares statewide by lifting surplus water from rivers, reservoirs, and canals to regions previously inaccessible due to topography. It promotes efficient micro-irrigation, crop diversification from water-guzzling paddy to high-value cash crops, and improved rural livelihoods.
Cluster-Wise Approvals
Sambalpur district (Cluster XXVII): Four schemes will create irrigation potential for around 6,210 hectares by lifting water from the Hirakud reservoir via a pressurised system. Awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, the project costs over Rs 204 crore, plus Rs 16.33 crore for 15 years of O&M. It will benefit 54 villages and is expected to be completed in 36 months.
Sonepur district (Cluster XXX): Four projects will cover about 6,025 hectares by drawing water from the Tel River and its confluences. The estimated cost is around Rs 170 crore, with Rs 13.61 crore for long-term maintenance. It will serve 47 villages and has a 36-month timeline.
Jajpur district (Cluster XXXVII): Four schemes will irrigate nearly 5,950 hectares, sourcing water from the Kharasua and Brahmani rivers. The project is valued at approximately Rs 158.86 crore, plus Rs 12.70 crore for O&M over 15 years, benefiting around 73 villages.
Keonjhar-Mayurbhanj districts (Cluster XXXVIII): Three schemes will bring about 4,280 hectares under irrigation, lifting water from the Kanpur Main Canal, Ardei Nadi, and Balisudra River. With an execution cost of Rs 92.98 crore and Rs 7.48 crore for maintenance, this cluster targets a faster 24-month completion and will cover 25 villages of Keonjhar district and eight villages of Mayurbhanj district.
“The farmers in these districts will be encouraged to shift from high duty paddy crops to cash crops due to its micro-irrigation compatibility. The project will also improve the socio-economic condition of the upland farmers,” it added.
