Bankatira Barrage Project Gains Momentum, Land Possession Targeted by Nov 15
Baleshwar: The long-awaited Bankatira Barrage Project on the Budhabalanga River has moved a step closer to implementation, with authorities aiming to complete land possession by November 15 following significant progress in compensation payments and land acquisition procedures.
During a recent review meeting, Shubha Sarma, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, directed officials to expedite the remaining formalities to ensure the project enters the construction phase at the earliest.
Once completed, the barrage is expected to provide assured Kharif irrigation to around 7,300 hectares of agricultural land across 120 villages in Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj districts, benefiting more than 21,000 residents.
The irrigation network will cover areas under Betnoti block in Mayurbhanj and Remuna, Baleshwar Sadar, and Basta blocks in Baleshwar district.
Apart from strengthening agriculture, the project is poised to significantly improve drinking water availability in the region.
Officials said the barrage will support the supply of 60 MLD of water to Baleshwar Municipality and an additional 40 MLD to 34 gram panchayats in Baleshwar Sadar and Remuna blocks.
The initiative is also expected to ensure uninterrupted irrigation for nearly 2,000 hectares under the existing Mega-Lift Irrigation Project in Badasahi block of Mayurbhanj district.
Land acquisition efforts have progressed substantially, with compensation processes underway for 7.98 acres of private land spread across Darkuli, Gandarda, and Talmedhi villages.
Authorities have also secured the necessary forest land clearance, removing a major obstacle to project implementation.
Officials believe the Bankatira Barrage Project will play a crucial role in enhancing irrigation coverage, strengthening water security, and supporting agricultural productivity in northern Odisha in the coming years.
