Odisha approves Rs 211 crore lift irrigation scheme
Bhubaneswar, Oct 11 (UNI) The Odisha Cabinet has approved a proposal to create additional irrigation potential of about 8,507 hectares in Sambalpur district. This will be achieved by lifting water from the Hirakud reservoir and the Bheden River using an intake system and a subsequent pressurised distribution system.
The Cabinet approved the tender in favour of M/s. Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. for an execution cost of Rs 211.86 crore (excluding GST and fifteen years of Operation and Maintenance).
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said the work is planned to be completed in thirty-six calendar months.
On completion, farmers in Sambalpur district will benefit. The scheme’s micro-irrigation compatibility will encourage them to shift from high-duty paddy crops to cash crops. This project is also expected to improve the socio-economic condition of upland farmers.
The technical design involves six Lift Irrigation Schemes (LIS) in Cluster No. XXVI of Sambalpur. These LIS units have command areas ranging from 500 hectares to 2,000 hectares.
The entire project, covering the distribution network up to the 1-hectare Chak, will be implemented on an “EPC-Turn Key” basis, including power system connectivity and Operation and Maintenance for 15 years.
Ahuja also provided context on the larger “Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme,” which was formulated with an outlay of Rs 10,759.20 crore.
This scheme aims to provide supplemental kharif irrigation to the upland ayacut of about 2,63,801 hectares across the State by lifting surplus water from rivers and reservoirs, targeting areas previously difficult to irrigate through normal flow methods due to their geographical positioning.
