Bhubaneswar, November 13, 2026: Farmers in drought-prone Belpada block of Balangir district are expected to receive a major boost to agricultural prospects with the implementation of the Upper Lanth Medium Irrigation Project, which aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve water security and strengthen rural livelihoods.

The project is designed to provide irrigation to 4,700 hectares of cultivable land, generating an annual irrigation potential of 6,105 hectares across Kharif and Rabi seasons. Of the total potential, 3,990 hectares will be covered during the Kharif season and 2,115 hectares during Rabi, enabling farmers to undertake cultivation beyond the monsoon months.

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A key component of the project is the construction of a Rs 143.98-crore spillway across the Lanth River near Chikili village in Patnagarh subdivision. The 108-metre-long structure will have seven radial gates to regulate reservoir water levels and facilitate the safe discharge of excess water during periods of heavy inflow.

The project also includes an extensive water distribution network comprising an earth-fill dam and two main canals. The Left Main Canal will extend over 16.08 km, while the Right Main Canal will cover 6.66 km, facilitating the distribution of stored water to agricultural lands across the command area.

Apart from meeting irrigation requirements, the project has made provisions for drinking water supply to villages in the command area. A total of 2.19 million cubic metres of surface water has been earmarked for domestic drinking water requirements, making the project an integrated initiative to address both agricultural and household water needs.

The foundation stone for the project was laid on November 2, 2024. Its inclusion among four new irrigation projects in the Odisha Agriculture Budget for 2025-26 underscores the State Government's focus on expanding irrigation infrastructure and strengthening the agricultural sector.

Following the grant of administrative approval, the tendering process for the project is currently underway.

Once completed, the Upper Lanth Medium Irrigation Project is expected to significantly improve agricultural prospects in Belpada and other areas within its command region. With expanded irrigation facilities, improved water management and provisions for drinking water, the project is expected to help farmers increase cropping intensity, enhance productivity and reduce their dependence on erratic monsoon rainfall.