Bhubaneswar, November 7: The much-awaited Bankatira Barrage Project over the Budhabalanga River in Balasore district has gained fresh momentum with the long-pending land acquisition process moving to the compensation payment stage, paving the way for expedited construction.

Water Resources Secretary Shubha Sarma, reviewed the progress of the project on Saturday and directed officials to expedite the remaining formalities. The department has set November 15 as the target for taking possession of the identified land, marking a crucial step towards accelerating the project.

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The breakthrough follows sustained efforts and coordination among various government agencies to resolve the land acquisition hurdles that had delayed the project.

Located in Remuna block of Balasore district, the Bankatira Barrage is expected to significantly strengthen irrigation infrastructure and water security in northern Odisha. The project aims to provide assured Kharif irrigation to around 7,300 hectares covering 120 villages and benefiting approximately 21,269 people across Betnoti block of Mayurbhanj district and Remuna, Balasore Sadar and Basta blocks of Balasore district.

Besides its irrigation benefits, the barrage will play an important role in meeting drinking water requirements in the region. It is designed to facilitate a supply of 60 million litres per day (MLD) to Balasore Municipality and another 40 MLD to 34 gram panchayats in Balasore Sadar and Remuna blocks.

The project will also support the existing Mega-Lift Irrigation Project in Badasahi block of Mayurbhanj district by ensuring uninterrupted Kharif irrigation to approximately 2,000 hectares through its storage capacity.

A major hurdle in the project's implementation has now been addressed, with the acquisition of 7.98 acres of private land across Darkuli, Gandarda and Talmedhi villages advancing to the compensation payment stage. The required forest land clearance has also been obtained, further clearing the way for construction.