52nd Foundation Day of Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation celebrated 

Online portal and e-service book launched 

Pani  Panchayats play a vital role in enhancing  irrigation potential: Chief Secretary Shri Ahuja 

Mootv Odisha / Bhubaneswar – dt.2.10.2024

52nd Foundation Day of Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) has been celebrated at Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 1st October 2024, Tuesday. 

The Chief Secretary, Odisha Shri Manoj Ahuja graced the programme as the Chief Guest of the occasion.   

Addressing the meeting held, Chief Secretary appreciated   the efforts of OLIC in achieving the target set by the Government of Odisha for irrigation through Deep Bore Well, Community Lift Irrigation Projects and other projects. 

The Chief Secretary has also said, Water is a major requirement for farmers. The states which have done well in agriculture are putting more emphasis on irrigation. Praising the Pani Panchayat and farmers associated with these he said, PPs are playing an important role in increasing irrigation potential in the state .  Farmers of Odisha have long years of experience. The use of new technologies and uses of Digital medium are also contributing to the growth of agriculture. The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for further strengthening of PPs and field visits for them to different other states to gain more knowledge and expertise.

Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Water Resources said that irrigation potential  through OLIC has gained momentum  in the last five years.       

        OLIC is contributing about 50 per cent of the irrigation sector that we achieve through large, Medium, Minor & Mega Lift and other irrigation projects. OLIC has strengthened its capacity to set up more than 18,000 projects in a year. LI projects are being set up on a sustainability basis in coordination with Minor Irrigation projects, Ground Water department, etc, Smt.Garg added.

Managing Director, OLIC, Shri Sudhanshu Mohan Samal in his   welcome address, informed about the achievements of OLIC and said that the corporation, established in 1973, has been recognized as a “Gold” Category PSU two years ago.  Irrigation potential is being created through LI projects using surface and ground water resources in the state.  So far, 1.71 lakh projects have been undertaken through OLIC and irrigation potential of 15.96 lakh hectare have been created.  18,944 projects have been completed in 2023-24 and irrigation potential of 1,22,815 hectares has been created, MD,OLIC said.

Including installation of new projects, the irrigation capacity is being increased by making the defunct tubewells operational. With the application of technology and improved mechanization, the capacity to complete the project has been four times higher than before.  The MD, OLIC said that our priority is to meet the target and keep all the projects running at all times. This year, the state has set a target of 1,22,648 hectares for irrigation through OLIC systems,

            In OLIC importance being given to training, implementation and maintenance of projects with support of Pani Panchayats.                          ₹ 1,084.38 crore has been allocated in the budget for five years for operational of non-functional tubewells and our priority is to have access to irrigation facilities everywhere as per the irrigation potential created.  MD, OLIC has said, the problems relating to execution and maintenance of projects are being addressed to in coordination with PPs, OREDA, A&FE and Energy Department and emphasis is also being given to crop diversification.

The Chief Guest and Chief Secretary Mr. Ahuja also visited a photo exhibition organized here on the occasion, based on the achievements of OLIC and Pani Panchayats.

The event showcased a small documentary film of OLIC’s achievement.  An online portal for revival of defunct CLIPs and strengthening of age-old operational projects was launched. Another on-line system e-service book has also been launched and the magazine ‘Bari Barenyam’, encapsulated with the success of OLIC and Pani Panchayats. In addition, A  “Guide for Pani Panchayats” for project management,  Activity booklet on various activities of OLIC as well as a booklet on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  were also released on the occasion. 

Executive Director,OLIC Er. Shibashish Padhi was also addressed on the occasion and thanked everyone participated in the programme.  

Farmers from different parts of the state, women farmer representatives, Pani Panchayat members, officials and employees of OLIC from the division to  state level, officials and engineers of Department of Water Resources  participated in the programme  in large numbers on the occasion.