Subhechcha Ganguly 
In a significant development for Odisha’s agricultural sector, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik marked a milestone by inaugurating the state’s inaugural underground piped irrigation project. The long-awaited Gangadhar Meher Lift Irrigation project, valued at Rs 1,677 crore, comes to fruition seven years after its initial promise, notably before the Bijepur byelection in October 2017. With its implementation, over 60,000 acres of land, predominantly situated in Bargarh district’s Bijepur, Sohela, Barpali, and Bargarh blocks, alongside Dunguripali block in Sonepur district, stand to benefit from enhanced irrigation facilities.
The inauguration of Odisha’s premier underground piped irrigation initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, marks a significant step forward in bolstering the state’s agricultural infrastructure. Valued at Rs 1,677 crore, the Gangadhar Meher Lift Irrigation project’s completion fulfills a longstanding commitment, amplifying irrigation capabilities across key regions. Notably, this transformative endeavor promises to alleviate water scarcity concerns and foster agricultural productivity, particularly in areas like Bijepur, Sohela, Barpali, Bargarh, and Dunguripali.
With the ceremonial inauguration led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha witnesses the dawn of a new era in irrigation infrastructure through its maiden underground piped irrigation endeavor. The realization of the Rs 1,677-crore Gangadhar Meher Lift Irrigation project symbolizes a watershed moment, bringing renewed hope and prosperity to farmers across Bargarh and Sonepur districts. This visionary initiative underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to agricultural advancement, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience in Odisha’s agrarian landscape.
