Bolangir’s development began on Wednesday with the official opening of the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project, the ninth-largest dam in Odisha by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
As part of the 5T plan, construction on the dam got underway in 2019. 80,000 farmers will profit from the 1 lakh acres of agricultural land that will be irrigated in 203 villages in Balangi and Sonepur by the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project. In addition, it will supply the local population with potable water.
As irrigation will be done through underground pipelines no new displacement will take place for irrigation. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “I respect the sacrifice of the people of 29 displaced villages. Their sacrifice will be remembered forever.”
The Chief Minister also dedicated 69 additional projects worth Rs 305 crore, in addition to the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project.
The Chief Minister broke ground on 112 projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs 2,220 crore and announced new initiatives worth Rs 2,525 crore.
In August of last year, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Pandian traveled to Bolangir to hasten the conclusion of the district’s numerous development initiatives.