Low cost check dams being constructed in Orissa

Balangir (Orissa), July 20 (ANI): Low cost check dams are being constructed in Orissa's Balangir District to counter lack of irrigation facilities in the region.

Despite receiving an annual rainfall of more than 120 centimeters, the region has been declared a drought prone district with irregularity in rainfall and lack of irrigation facility hampering the agricultural practices in this area.

The Orissa Government introduced a pilot project to counter lack of irrigation facility by constructing low cost check dams.

"This is a low cost project as we are only constructing apron and some spears. Usually the dam is about 30-40 metres and the cost of this structure is coming about around Rs 35,000. So this 40-metres dam is costing about Rs 12 lakh to 15 lakh," said Jagatjyoti Satpathy, chief engineer of the project.

Earlier, the farmers used to construct temporary dams with the help of rock sand and soil.

These dams were able to conserve water for a certain period of time and by next monsoon, these temporary structures used to get destroyed.

"Nearly 12-15 acres of land lie beside the dam here. We cultivate different vegetables like pumpkin, cucumber and crops like paddy. We will be benefited with this dam," said Haladhar Bhoi, a farmer.

The officials said the Water Resource Department of the State Government has planned to undertake the construction of 27 such in the district. By Sharda Lahangir (ANI)