Odisha govt to provide irrigation to 10 lakh ha in five years: CM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jan 9:

The Odisha government has set a target of providing irrigation to 10 lakh hectares of land in the next five years, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today.

Pic: Biswaranjan Mishra
Pic: Biswaranjan Mishra

Addressing the concluding ceremony of a function organised by the Pani Panchayat at Bhanja Kala Mandap here, Patnaik said the state government will develop irrigation infrastructure in the state through mega lift irrigation projects, deep bore wells, check dams and minor irrigation projects.

Praising the role of Pani Panchayats in the smooth distribution of water, the Chief Minister said more than 24,000 Pani Panchayats have been set up in the state.

While the state government has been providing financial assistance to Pani Panchayats for repair and renovation of canals, efforts are on to provide Rs 3 lakh to them for canal repair work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, he said.

Besides, the government, which has been providing Rs 3 lakh for construction of office of the Pani Panchayats awarded in recognition of their outstanding work, has also decided to provide a cash award of Rs 3 lakh to the awarded Pani Panchayats every year, he added.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister gave away the awards to the successful Pani Panchayats.

Among others, Panchayati Raj and Law minister Arun Kumar Sahu and principal secretary, Water Resources Pradipta Kumar Jena also spoke on the occasion.

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