Sunil Mohan Patnaik Brahmapur

Ina major boost to the long-pending Lower Vamsadhara Stage-I Irrigation Project, the Odisha government has invited tenders for consultancy services to obtain Environmental Clearance (EC) and Forest Clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), marking a significant step towards implementation of the ambitious project.

The proposed project envisages the construction of a 3.2-km earthen dam across the Sana Nadi near Khaira, a 1.85-km barrage across the Vamsadhara river near Panidanagar, and an extensive canal network comprising a 74-km Left Main Canal and a 48-km Right Main Canal. Once completed, the project is expected to provide assured irrigation to large agricultural areas in Rayagada and Gajapati districts.

The irrigation project is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage crop diversification, improve farmers’ incomes, generate rural employment, strengthen water security and accelerate the socio-economic development of the region. The latest development is being viewed as the outcome of sustained efforts by the Odisha government, elected representatives, civil society organisations, farmers’ associations and local residents who have consistently pursued the project for decades. Public campaigns, awareness programmes, representations and legislative interventions helped keep the long-pending proposal on the government’s agenda.

Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the move and expressed hope that all statutory clearances will be secured at the earliest, paving the way for construction to begin without further delay. The successful implementation of the Lower Vamsadhara Stage-I Project is expected to become a landmark development initiative for the Gunupur region and a major milestone in the development of southern Odisha.