Odisha Govt Inaugurates Lower Suktel Irrigation Project After 23-Year Wait

Balangir: After over two decades of longing, the drought-prone Balangir district in Odisha finally received a life-giving gift – the inauguration of the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led the ceremony, marking a new era of agricultural prosperity and improved living conditions for the region.

CM Patnaik dedicated the project, set to benefit approximately 80,000 farmers and 70,000 residents with drinking water facilities. Initially estimated at Rs 217 crore, the project’s cost escalated to over Rs 3,000 crore since its foundation stone was laid in 2001.

Patnaik stated, “I am pleased to inaugurate the Lower Suktel Irrigation project, addressing water-related issues and ushering significant changes in agriculture.” The project aims to irrigate around 1 lakh hectares of agricultural land, benefiting 200 villages in Balangir and Sonepur districts.

Emphasizing the state’s commitment to farmers’ development under the 5T initiative, Patnaik highlighted the acceleration of irrigation projects, resulting in an additional 3.64 lakh acres of irrigated area.

The Lower Suktel Project marks a transformative chapter in Balangir’s development, with the support and sacrifices of 29 contributing villages.