Bhubaneswar, April 10: The Odisha State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Friday approved 11 proposals from five departments, with a major focus on strengthening irrigation infrastructure in Odisha.

Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved execution of multiple projects under the ambitious Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme in Jajpur district. The scheme, with an estimated outlay of ₹10,759.20 crore, aims to provide supplemental Kharif irrigation to around 2.63 lakh hectares of upland areas by lifting surplus water from rivers, reservoirs, and canals.

The Cabinet cleared the lowest bid for Cluster No. XXXVII, which includes four lift irrigation projects. These will create irrigation potential for 5,950 hectares in Jajpur by drawing water from the Kharsua and Brahmani rivers through an intake system and distributing it via pressurised pipelines. The approved project cost stands at ₹158.87 crore, excluding GST.

Additionally, operation and maintenance costs for 15 years have been fixed at ₹12.71 crore, with project completion targeted within 36 months.

The projects are expected to benefit farmers in 73 villages. Officials said improved irrigation and micro-irrigation facilities will encourage a shift from water-intensive paddy to more profitable cash crops, boosting farmers’ income and livelihoods.

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