Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday inaugurated the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project, the ninth largest dam in Odisha, ushering in a new history of development in Bolangir.
Construction on the dam began in 2019 under the 5T initiative. The Lower Suktel Irrigation Project will irrigate 1 lakh acres of agricultural land in 203 villages of Balangi and, Sonepur benefitting 80,000 farmers. Besides, it will provide drinking water to people in the region.
As irrigation will be done through underground pipelines no new displacement will take place for irrigation. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “I respect the sacrifice of the people of 29 displaced villages. Their sacrifice will be remembered forever.”
In addition to the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project, the Chief Minister inaugurated 69 other projects constructed for Rs 305 crore.
The Chief Minister launched new projects worth Rs 2,525 and laid the foundation of 112 projects estimated to cost Rs 2,220 crore.
5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Pandian visited Bolangir in August last year to expedite the completion of the various development projects in the district.
