Odisha to spend Rs 855 crore to renovate canal system of Hirakud Dam

The irrigation system of Hirakud Dam over Mahanadi River is all set to get a major facelift with the government planning to spend Rs 855 crore to renovate the canal system. The Mohan Majhi-led BJP government has plans to spend Rs 855 crore over the next four years with an aim to complete the prestigious project by 2027-28.

The Hirakud Dam, the longest earthen dam in the country, was built in 1957 with an aim to control floods, apart from power generation and irrigation. However, over the years, the canal system has turned out to be less efficient due to various problems.

The canal irrigation system, which provided water to 1.59 lakh hectares land in Kharif season and 1.12 lakh hectares land in Rabi season in districts of Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir and Sonepur, has now developed cracks and suffers from drainage and waterlogging problems, with complaints of water not reaching to farmlands coming from farmers.

Amidst complaints by farmers, the Water Resources Department has announced to spend Rs 855 crore towards the renovation of the project and ensure proper water supply to the tail-end of the canal network.

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“One of the main goals of the renovation scheme is recovering the waterlogged cultivable land caused by seepage from the canal network. The renovation project would stabilize the siphon and aqueduct in the canal system,” a press release of the Waters Department said.

With BJP focusing on strengthening its traditional base in Western Odisha, it has chosen to redress the issues concerning the Hirakud Dam.