The Kharkhari Irrigation project plays a major role in providing water to land of Khallikote, Beguniapada and Ganjam area. Unfortunately, the project has not been renovated for a long time. As a result, the farmers have been deprived of irrigation facilities in Ganjam district.
The drainage system originates from Angarigaon of Beguniapada and ends at Barapali of Poirasi Panchayat of Ganjam with a total length of 231 km.
Locals have recently demanded immediate renovation work of 66.5 km of the drain. There are 27 small drains connected to the main canal with a length of 110.40 km. There are three branches.
The problem over last few years with the canal is that its water could not be managed properly due to lack of timely maintenance. While it is almost dry at some places, at some other places, its water gets wasted unnecessary leading to flooding. During rainy season, flooding is created in the canal damaging paddy cultivation extensively.
The problem has been raised by both Khallikote and Kabisuryanagar MLAs in the Assembly several times but with little relief as yet.
The Superintendent Engineer of the department informed that he has submitted a detained renovation plan worth Rs 4, 98, 36,000 for work of 18.48 km from Barapali of Ganjm to Bilaspur of Khallikote and tender of the work will be launched after the Government approval.