Odisha unveils twin Barrages worth ₹236-cr

Odisha state government has decided to set up two barrages across Baitarani to expand irrigational coverage to 1,500 hectares of land in the district and the neighbouring Bhadrak. The two projects estimated at around ₹236.63 core and have got administrative approval of the state government. The projects will be instrumental in ensuring drinking water to Jajpur town and compensate for water shortage during major religious rituals like Baruni Snana in Baitarani. They are expected to ensure flood control in the downstream areas of the river in the two districts. The two barrages will come up on the left and right side of Saptamatruka temple across Baitarani. After approval of the cost estimate of the project, the Water Resources department has awarded the contract of the construction to OCCL. Engineer in-chief Jyotirmay Rath has intimated to the principal secretary of the Water Resources department about it and issued an order for construction of the projects. After commissioning of the two projects, Jajpur town will get drinking water while irrigation will be provided through lift irrigation points to 700 hectares in Bhadrak and 800 hectares in and around Jajpur.