The longest earthen dam in the worl, Hirakud Dam 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’ canal system over the years has turned out to be less efficient due to various problems. The canal irrigation system, which provided water to hectares of land under the 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.
Press release of the Waters Department said “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.
With BJP focusing on strengthening its traditional base in Western Odisha, it has chosen to redress the issues concerning the Hirakud Dam.