Bhubaneswar: As many as 15 major irrigation projects in Odisha will be operationalized by 2024.
It was revealed during a presentation on Irrigation Department’s ‘Transformational Initiative’ made by Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Out of the 15 major irrigation projects that will become operational by 2024, four will become operational in the current year, four in 2023, and seven in 2024. Technology, teamwork, responsible rehabilitation policy, labour welfare, etc have been successfully implemented in these projects. This will bring a transformation in Odisha’s irrigation sector.
The first meeting of the State government’s transformational series was chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik praised the Irrigation Department and thanked its engineers for taking steps towards the completion and operationalization of these long-overdue projects with the successful implementation of 5T initiatives.
Patnaik advised other departments to implement different programmes using a similar novel methodology.
District Collectors of Bolangir, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj shared information on how the displacement process has been expedited in their respective districts. They explained how the displacement process has been expedited by building trust among the people through discussions and a responsive system.
Information on the progress of various irrigation projects including Deo project, Lower Suktel project, Subarnarekha, Kanupur, Chheligada, Rengali South Canal, Rengali Left Canal and several other projects were shared in the presentation.
Information on extensive use of technology like – laying of underground pipeline, geosynthetic mattress lining, SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition), automatic water management, etc was shared at the meeting.
Apart from engineering technology, the presentation also highlighted quick decisions and teamwork starting from CM’s Office to the minimum level, responsible rehabilitation and sensitive communication.
In his introductory speech, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian said that the Chief Minister always emphasized transparency in public life. The Chief Minister is always ready to extend cooperation and support for taking steps for the development of the State through transparent and different novel initiatives, he added.
Pandian said that with the manner in which various irrigation projects are progressing in Bolangir district, in the next 2-3 years the district will be famous as a lush green district.
A video film on computer education being provided to Mission Shakti women with the help of transformed schools under 5T in Jajpur district was exhibited during the meeting. Through this Mission Shakti women are getting digital education. The programme was highly appreciated in the meeting.
Finance Minister, Revenue Minister, Urban Development and Housing Minister, Energy Minister, and Irrigation Minister were present at the meeting.
Development Commissioner, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments were also present.
