The much-hyped Bankatira irrigation project in Remuna block in Baleswar district may see light of the day as the work has been initiated by the Water Resources Department.
The department at the initial stage has begun soil testing of the project site at Bankatira village under Nizampur GP in Remuna block. The ground level work has brought cheer among the locals.
Water Resources Department Executive Engineer Rajkishor Ghadai said the ground level work has begun and following which the project would be sent for approval of the State Government. The project envisages irrigation facility for about 6,300 hectares of agriculture land including Basta, Sadar and Remuna blocks.
The project would be constructed in the downstream of the river Budhabalanga. The barrage length would around 114 metre while the width would be around 70 metres.
“A canal of 15 km would be constructed in the left side of the barrage. The barrage would hold the excess water flowing down the river during the floods, which would be utilised for irrigation purposes round the year. A separate sub-division under the name of Bankatira project has been opened to look after construction and subsequent activities,” said Ghadai.
“The project cost was estimated about Rs 203 crore in 2012. However, the estimates may escalate with the fresh design and drawing. There had been a popular demand for the project for years from various quarters. Besides paddy, the water can be used for the non-paddy or vegetable crops. The project would be completed within three years after its ground level works” he added.
Notably, way back in 1987 a check dam was constructed at Bankatira, but the project became defunct after few years.