Berhampur: MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy on Sunday urged chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to expedite the approval and implementation of long-pending irrigation projects in Ganjam district.
In a letter addressed to Majhi—who also holds the water resources development portfolio—Panigrahy said improved irrigation facilities would provide job opportunities within the state, reducing the outflow of the workforce to other regions.
Among the key projects he has sought approval for are the Pipalapanka dam over the Rushikulya river and Adangi near Pipalapanka in Sorada block, Banta (Kokalaba) barrage near Bilumara in Jagannathprasad block, Badanadi barrage near Badangi, and the Hiradharabati barrage near Antarigaon in Purushottampur block. He also called for the immediate implementation of mega lift irrigation projects at Sheragada, Patharapunji, Junapani near Digapahandi, Hatikhal near Sorada, and Badachakra near Ganjam town.
Panigrahy further demanded the linkage of the Mahanadi-Rushikulya and Vansadhara-Rushikulya rivers and the construction of storage structures at Sapuapalli near Sorada, as well as at Cheramaria and Samantarapalli near Aska. Additionally, he recommended the desilting of existing reservoirs, including Sorada, Bhanjanagar, Dhanei, and Salia, to boost their capacities.
“Implementation of these projects will enhance irrigation potential, ensure water security and sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and help mitigate the irrigation problems of Ganjam,” said Panigrahy. Many of the proposed projects, he added, are still awaiting govt clearance.
However, the proposed Pipalapanka dam has drawn criticism from environmentalists and social activists. They argue that constructing a dam upstream on the Rushikulya river, considered the lifeline of Ganjam, could lead to its depletion. Under the banner of the Rushikulya Surakshya Kriyanusthan Committee, activists conducted a 10-day, 120-km padayatra along the river from March 16 to 25, voicing their opposition to the plan.