Bhubaneswar, Apr 12 (UNI) A roadmap for the construction of 80 new Minor Irrigation Projects (MIPs) and 3,000 check dams over the next five years was discussed at a high-level meeting held here, chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg.
Garg emphasized the need to enhance the state’s irrigation potential by constructing more MIPs and check dams in the coming years.
She stated that the state government has taken extensive steps and given top priority to water conservation and management to ensure that water reaches farmers at the tail end of canals and irrigation systems.
While irrigation and water management in the state are collectively ensured through large, medium, small, lift irrigation, mega lift, and other systems, Minor Irrigation Projects (MIPs) are playing a significant role in increasing Odisha’s overall irrigation capacity, Garg said.
The meeting also discussed how minor irrigation could contribute significantly toward achieving the commitment made by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to create an irrigation potential of 15 lakh hectares over the next five years.
Discussions included the feasibility of constructing MIPs and check dams, especially in areas with available water sources. The assessment also considered other features such as soil type, crop patterns, and collective needs. Integrating minor irrigation with other irrigation methods and the use of technology for efficient water management were also key points of the discussion.
