Target to complete Pench project in six years

Bhopal, May 28 (UNI) A target has been set to complete the under-construction Pench Diversion Project at Machagora in Chhindwara's Chorai village by 2012-13, official sources said today.

The project would irrigate 89,378 hectare land, including 44,939 hectare land in Chhindwara and 44,439 hectare land in Seoni districts through canal system. A provision has been made for providing water to two X 250 MW Pench thermal power projects.

After revised administrative approval of Rs 543.20 crore by the state government and various central ministries to the project, an approval of Rs 583.40 crore was granted for the project in 2006 by the technical advisory committee.

Construction of canal on the right side, seven km of the canal on left side and 'pucca' construction on central speel up to cast level was proposed during the first phase of three years.

In the second phase of three years, construction of rest of the canal on the left side along with small canals and setting up of gate on the central speel will be done.

Land has been identified for the construction of the dam and compensation was being distributed.

UNI