Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated the left canal of Baitarani river under Anandpur barrage in Keonjhar district.
The 28-km canal connecting Baitarani and Salandi rivers will facilitate irrigation to 2,221 hectare (ha) of agricultural land in Hatadihi and Anandpur blocks of the district. Besides, 56,550 ha in 7 blocks of Balasore district will be irrigated by the canal in Kharif season and 50,000 ha in Rabi season.
The chief minister dedicated Haladia dam of Subarnarekha irrigation project. While 62,480 ha was irrigated by the project so far, the dam will irrigate additional 5,520 ha.
Naveen also laid the foundation stone for second phase work of Subarnarekha project. On completion, it will irrigate 39,694 ha in Maurbhanj and Balasore districts.
Similarly, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for a barrage over Khairi Bhandan river at Anlabani village in Mayurbhanj district. It will not only irrigate 6,950 ha farm land in 3 blocks but also provide drinking water to 35,000 people of the area.
Speaking on the occasion, he said his government was committed to development of agriculture and farmers. “Several programmes of the government have been designed for economic empowerment of the farmers. KALIA scheme, farm loan upto Rs 1 lakh, farm insurance, scholarship for children of the farmers and others will improve the financial condition of the farmers,” he said.
Among others, Commerce, Transport and Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, MLAs Badri Narayan Patra, Bhagirathi Sethi, chief secretary PK Jena and development commissioner Anu Garg were present. 5T chairman VK Pandian coordinated the programme.
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