Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Department of Water Resources, Anu Garg, reviewed the progress of the Anandapur Barrage Project during her visit to Keonjhar district. The inspection covered the ongoing work of two main canal systems, alongside project engineers and local officials.

The Anandapur Barrage Project is a key irrigation initiative designed to facilitate intra-basin water transfer to irrigate 60,000 hectares of cultivated land. The areas covered include Hatadihi, Anandapur, and Ghasipura blocks in Keonjhar district, and Oupada, Nilagiri, Bahanaga, Balasore Sadar, Remuna, and Soro blocks in Balasore district.

Out of 17 work packages for the main canal system, all are currently in progress. Notable advancement has been recorded on the 56.923 km Salandi Left Main Canal (SLMC), which has already provided irrigation to 12,803 hectares. Work on the Baitarani Right Bank Canal (BRBC) continues under three packages. An agreement to supply water to 3,450 hectares through underground pipeline systems under BLBC and BRBC is expected soon.

Anu Garg directed officials to ensure project completion by June 2027, aligned with Odisha Vision 2036. She also called for timely resolution of land acquisition and raw material supply challenges.

Source:Subadh Nayak – Last updated by The Print India