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Kandhamal/Bhubaneswar: Even as the government is infusing lakhs of rupees into minor irrigation projects to ensure abundant water to farmlands, it seems the initiatives have failed to materialise for farmers in Dubulumahablock of Kandhamal district.
A canal and check dam project in Dubulumahablock which was expected to address the irrigation problems of the local residents, has fallen by the wayside. Amid erratic rainfall, the scarcity of irrigation water has now become a double setback for agricultural prospects of the farmers.
In order to irrigate the farmland, the block administration initially sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for completion of the canal, but the water never reached the farmlands, say farmers.
Apart from expressing concern over the incomplete canal, they have also raised questions on the inferior work of the project and blamed it to the nexus between the contractor and department officials.
“Nearly 1 crore has been spent for construction of the canals, but the water is yet to reach the farmlands. The reason is inferior work and nexus between the contractor and administrative officers,” alleged Santosh Diggal, a resident of Dubulumaha.
Sunil Pradhan, another resident said, “The repair work of the canal is carried out every year. This year too, about Rs 25 lakh has been spent, but due to poor work we are yet to get any benefit from the project.”
According to sources, hundreds of farmers of Dubulumaha along with Sulumaha village are depending on the canal for irrigation of their farmlands but due to improper and inadequate flow of water in the canal, the farmers have been unable to continue their cultivation works.
When contacted, Daringibadi block chairperson Ruda Mallick assured to look into the status of the construction work and take action accordingly.
“I was unaware of it. I will inquire about the situation from the junior engineer and also make a filed assessment. If there are any quality issues, I will take action accordingly,” Mallick said.
Administrative officials, however, were unavailable for any comment on the matter.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
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