Kesinga: Like most other parts of Odisha, agriculture is the primary occupation of residents of Laitara Gram panchayat in Kesinga block of Kalahandi district. But this sector has been hit hard as the already constructed irrigation project near Ret River is unable to irrigate water to the agricultural lands of the panchayat.
Sources said, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the project December 15, 2015. The water resources department had spent Rs 8.98 crore to construct it.
The project aimed at irrigating 500 hectares of farmland in Laitara, Jaloka and Karalabhadi villages though 29 outlets. The department had set up three pump sets to provide water through an 8.464 km long pipeline as well.
But the farmers alleged that given the low-level positioning of water outlets, the project barely manages to irrigate. While during rainy season very less amount of water passes through the outlets, it all becomes dry during the Rabi season.
When questioned, departmental SDO Manas Kumar Pradhan said that they have requested the state government to reconstruct the check dams, pipelines and outlets in proper position so that the farmers can be benefited.
PNN