Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday laid foundation stone for two major irrigation projects at a cost of Rs 1,849 crore in Nabarangpur district.
Of the two projects, Parvati Giri lift irrigation project will be constructed with a budget of Rs 1,272 crore. Around 50,ooo hectare (ha) farm land in 120 villages under Nandahandi, Nabarangpur and Tentulikhunti blocks of the district will get irrigation through 11 facilities under the project.
Similarly, the chief minister laid the stone for Turi-Gunant irrigation project at a cost of Rs 577 crore. Total 20,000 ha agricultural land in 40 villages under Nabarangpur and Kosagumuda blocks will be irrigated from the project. Two barrages have been proposed to be constructed for the purpose.
In both projects, irrigation water will be supplied to the farms through underground pipes. In a relief for the people, nobody will be displaced by the projects which have been planned as per the latest technology.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said Nabarangpur district, which holds a special significance for the government, will witness major infrastructure development in coming years.
Stating that agriculture is the backbone of the state’s economy and social system, Naveen said, “I have always stressed the welfare of the farmers. The government has taken up several major irrigation projects at different places. Besides, Kalia Yojana and interest-free farm loan upto Rs 1 lakh have benefited the farmers.”
Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu said since 90% population of Nabarangpur depend on agriculture as economic source, the two irrigation projects will prove beneficial for them.
Nabarangpur MLA Sadasiv Pradhani, MP Ramesh Chandra Majhi, zilla parishad president, development commissioner Anu Garg and 5T chairman VK Pandian also spoke.
