Suktel pipeline irrigation project’s first trial run marred by leaks in Odisha’s Bolangir, farmlands flooded

The first trial run of the Lower Suktel underground pipeline irrigation project in Bolangir district on Tuesday was disrupted after multiple pipeline bursts caused flooding in farmers’ fields.

Reports stated that water pumped from the dam through the newly constructed pressurised underground network gushed uncontrollably in certain stretches, inundating paddy crops across Baghal and surrounding villages.

While some farmers received irrigation water as intended, several reported crop damage due to unanticipated flooding.

Farmers Express Anguish Over Crop Losses

Local farmers alleged that they were not informed in advance about the trial release of water through the pipelines. They also claimed that no inspection was done to validate the condition of the underground pipes, which had burst at multiple locations, leading to localised flooding of farmlands.

Sources reported that several acres of standing paddy were submerged, and the losses were compounded after farmers had recently endured a fertiliser shortage and its related black market woes.

Officers Caught Unawares

When contacted, officials confirmed that water was pumped through the pipeline network for the first time as part of a controlled trial run. While some stretches operated smoothly, bursts in other sections led to unintended water discharge into agricultural land.

The private company managing the pipeline network stated that it had not been aware of the leak until OTV inquiries prompted action. The company stopped the flow of water immediately, and engineers are inspecting the damaged sections to determine the cause.

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Project Details And Infrastructure

Notably, the Lower Suktel irrigation project is Odisha’s first irrigation system designed to deliver water entirely through underground pressurised pipelines instead of traditional open canals. The project covers a command area of approximately 40,000 hectares in the Bolangir district.

The system is intended to reduce water loss, ensure equitable distribution, and provide reliable irrigation even in seasons of erratic rainfall.

As of the last reports, officials confirmed that an inquiry is underway to determine the reasons behind the pipe bursts during the trial run.