The Odisha Government is now very much keen to construct of a barrage in the confluence of Ib and Basundara rivers in western Odisha.
With the dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha Government on water supply to industries by constructing barrage and dam on the Mahanadi river remaining unresolved, the State Government now has come forward for proper utilisation of water resources.
On Wednesday, a core group headed by State Water Resources Secretary Pradeep Jena and Chief Engineer Janaki Ballav Mohapatra visited the site to assess the feasibility of the proposed Ib project. With this, the water supply to Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar and Belpahar townships will be possible once again.
As per earlier notification, the project was proposed at Deogaon in Jharsuguda district. Earlier, the State Government was held responsible for delay in construction of Ib Barrage Project at a cost of around Rs 200 crore. However, now the State Government is showing interest to go ahead with the project for supply of water to these towns. A target has been kept to irrigate around 2,500 hectares land with construction of two large lift irrigation projects at Deogan and Chichinda. Water Resources officials also discussed with district Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Patnaik for construction of a large lift irrigation point near Mahulpali of Mahanandi river.
Meanwhile, former MlA Anup Sai submitted a proposal for construction of a barrage at Amapali of Badakelo river, a dam at Gudhiali of lilari Canal and a large lift irrigation point at Singhpur.