Complete 3 irrigation projects soon: Sonowal

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 20: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal today reviewed works of the Irrigation Department and directed the department to complete the construction work of the ongoing irrigation projects in the state at an early date to boost the agricultural production in the state.

Sonowal directed the department to complete three projects at Bahirabkunda in Udalguri district, Champawati in Chirang district and Borolia near Tamulpur in Baksa district for which Rs 1033.05 crore has been allotted. These projects would cover an area of 1,07,360 hectares farming land.

Sonowal said that to boost up the ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ cultivation the Irrigation Department must provide uninterrupted water supply in the farming lands. “Along with big projects, the Irrigation Department should also focus on medium and small irrigation systems to bring more farming lands under the irrigation ambit,” said Sonowal.  

Directing the Irrigation Department to complete the eight projects under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and two projects under North Eastern Council (NEC) at an early date, Sonowal said that the department must work out ways through which those farming lands affected by floods can be properly irrigated to become more productive during the rainy season.  

Reviewing the functioning of the Irrigation Department and progress of the projects under Command Area Development Programme (CADP) and Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) Sonowal also directed the department to submit an estimate of the total land under the possession of various offices of the department.

A total area of 83,366 hectares of farming land will be irrigated under the Dhansiri Irrigation Project with Rs 567.05 crore.  Similarly projects at Champawati in Chirang district for a total of Rs 309 crore and Borolia in Baksa district for a total of Rs 157 crore would bring 23,994 hectares of farming land under the irrigation ambit.  

Irrigation Minister Ranjit Dutta, Commissioner and Secretary to Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia and other top officials of the department were present at the meeting.