The Odisha government on Wednesday inaugurated the much-awaited Lower Suktel Irrigation project in Bolangir. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a grand function today. However, senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra targetted the Odisha government citing that the project is incomplete.
While speaking from the dais, Mishra said, “The CM had laid the foundation stone for the project in 2001 and it is yet to be completed even after 23 years. Today, the incomplete project has been inaugurated. It would have been appropriate if the project was inaugurated after its completion.”
Mishra further said, “Something is better than nothing. It would have been better if the project was inaugurated after full completion. What is the meaning of the inauguration of the dam if there is no water in the dam? The dam will get water in June and the water from it will be used for irrigation purposes.”
BJP leader Mukesh Mahaling termed the inauguration of the irrigation projects as a political gimmick and smokescreen ahead of the elections. “It is nothing but a smokescreen created by the government before the 2024 elections. The dam was inaugurated in a hurry with a promise to people that water would be supplied to the farmlands, but the dream for water from this dam will never be realised. All will see how far the project will be effective for irrigation.”
Health Minister Niranjan Pujari said, “The Chief Minister inaugurated the dam and when I visited the dam, water was gushing out from the dam.”
Minister Tukuni Sahu said that the water will be supplied through (underground pipelines) UGPL to farmers while works are being done in a phased manner. The dam was inaugurated on Wednesday, she added.
Sources said around 80,000 farmers and 70000 people will get drinking water facilities from the mega project
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