BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed the officials of Water Resources Department to start work on Lower Suktel project by resolving all outstanding issues and completing it on schedule. A provision of ` 1,041.81 crore has been made for the project. Naveen reviewed the progress in implementation of the project which will irrigate 31,830 hectares in Balangir and Sonepur districts. Completion of the project in time has assumed significance in view of the local resistance to the Sindol project. Official sources said tender process for earth dam and spill way of the project has reached the final stages. The construction work will start after the rainy season. Construction of approach road for the project has also been started and will be completed by October. The project is likely to submerge land in 29 villages where the reservoir will be located. Land acquisition started in 23 of these villages while it is yet to take off in the six villages. When completed, the project will create irrigation facilities for 29,850 hectares in Balangir district and 1,980 hectares in Sonepur district. Besides, drinking water crisis in Balangir town will also blow over with the completion of the project. According to official sources, two canals will be constructed on the right and left sides of the reservoir. Construction of the right main canal will require 481.95 hectares. However, part of this land has been identified for establishment of industries. The land will be transferred to the Water Resources Department before construction of the canal. Construction of the left main canal will require 292.37 hectares.
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