V K Pandian, 5T secretary-cum-secretary to the chief minister, directed officials to begin construction of the multipurpose Irrigation project at Chheligada in R Udayagiri block ofGajapatidistrict.
When completed, the Rs 936-crore project will irrigate 6,260 hectares of land in Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Besides, it will provide drinking water to Berhampur and generate 36 KW of hydroelectric power. The project, whose tender has been floated, has been aimed to be completed in 2025.
Pandian met some people who will be displaced due to the project. As many as 501 families of five villages will be displaced, while another 10 villages will be submerged partially. They will be rehabilitated to seven colonies in Ganjam and Gajapati districts.