Balangir: Farmers excited over construction of barrage in Songarh River, watch
While Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 49 crore for the barrage, with this a 20 year long demand is going to be fulfilled. Big thing is that there is no displacement problem here
Balangir: Balangir Farmers are excited over construction of barrage in Songarh River in Deogan Block. With this a 20 years long demand is going to be fulfilled in this district of Odisha. The government announced about construction of a barrage on River Songarh in Deogan block of Balangir district. Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 49 crore for the barrage.
Like many other years, this year also the farmers of Balangir district have faced problem due to drought like condition. About 6 rivers flow in the district. Yet, due to lack of facilities for use of rainwater, farmers are suffering. Besides, the groundwater level in this area is gradually depleting, which is now a cause for concern. Here is a ground zero report.
Odisha Government has given its nod for the construction of a barrage at Sikuan in Deogan block of Balangir district over the Songarh River. With this, a 20 year long demand is going to be fulfilled.
Balangir district will see development once the Songad Ground Water Conservation Project will start operation. The state government has sanctioned Rs 49 crore for this project. This barrage will not only solve the irrigation problem but it will also address the drinking water issue in the area.
With this, 2121 hectare farm lands in three blocks of Balangir district namely Deogan, Gudvela and Balangir (Sadar) will get irrigated.
Balangir district is a drought prone area in Odisha. Every year farmers here get affected by drought. There are strong demands for proper irrigation system and conservation of rain water flowing in the river. At this time, the announcement of construction of barrage in Songad River has brought happiness as well as a sigh of relief among the farmers of this area and hence the Sonagad Barrage Action Committee has thanked the government for this.
Along with this barrage, 28 drinking water supply project will become operational and the drinking water issue will be solved.
Drought is a regular affair in Deogan block. However, following construction of the barrage in Songarh River, the rain water can be properly conserved.
A DPR has been prepared three years ago in this regard. But the work could not proceed for multiple problems. Now the government has given priority for the construction of this project.
The big thing is that there is no displacement problem for Songarh project. This project work is expected to be completed soon.
The departmental engineer has said that the government is making efforts to improve the irrigation system in Balangir district. With this, ground water can be conserved along with rainwater harvesting. The work will start very soon once the decision of the technical Committee and administrative authorisation is obtained.
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Ms Kalinga