Keeping in mind the forthcoming Bijepur by-election, the Naveen Patnaik government on Monday announced State’s first underground irrigation project in Bijepur in Bargarh district at an estimated cost of ₹1,250 crore.
The project would be called Gangadhar Meher Lift Canal System. “We have decided to implement the system, the first of its kind with underground pipeline. The project will irrigate a command area of about 32,000 hectares, including 25,600 hectares in kharif and 7,000 ha in rabi season,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said here. “The project will pump water from Bargarh main canal through an 18-km-long main pipeline,” Mr. Patnaik said.
The announcement about the mega irrigation project, however, failed to impress the Opposition parties -- Congress and BJP. They termed the announcement as an election gimmick.
“In 2006, Mr. Patnaik had announced 35% irrigation in all blocks, but the target has not been achieved. In 2008, he announced that wherever there is less than 35% irrigation, that village will be provided ₹5 lakh. Not a single village has received the fund,” alleged Leader of the Opposition Narasingha Mishra.
“A year ago, the CM had inaugurated a mega lift irrigation project in Tel river. Farmers have not got a drop of water from the project. In 2009, he had announced free electricity to farmers. He never fulfilled the promise,” said Mr. Mishra.
BJP State general secretary Pruthiraj Harichandan alleged it was an announcement meant for the Bijepur by-election. “The CM had announced a fund for victims of chit-fund scams just before the 2014 elections. But they are yet to get relief. In Bargarh, he had announced packages during the 2015 drought. Those funds were never spent.”
