Nayagarh: The newly formed committee responsible for managing the Panasakhala Minor Irrigation Project in Nayagarh district has started its work with a focus on protecting and maintaining this important 50-year-old water source. 
Their first major initiative has led to the district administration ordering a survey to verify the boundaries of the dam and its associated canals. This is a key step in ensuring the continued safety and functionality of this essential resource for local farming.
Situated near Bandhabhuin in the Beruanbari Gram Panchayat of Nuagaon Block, the Panasakhala Dam holds more significance than just being a potential tourist attraction.
Built 50 years ago, it serves as the backbone of irrigation for hundreds of acres of farmland in the region. Its steady water supply has a direct impact on the livelihoods of many farmers and the local food production system.
Acknowledging the dam's crucial role and the need for its long-term preservation, the newly elected Panasakhala Water Users Committee, consisting of 300 members, acted swiftly.
Secretary Sanatan Behera emphasized the importance, stating, "The Panasakhala project is vital for our region as it irrigates hundreds of acres of farmland. Its protection is essential. " This awareness prompted their first formal request to the Nayagarh District Collector.
In response, the District Collector has instructed the Bahadajhoal R.I. (Revenue Inspector) to conduct a detailed survey and demarcation of the Panasakhala Dam and associated canal boundaries. This official verification is a basic administrative action. It will clearly define the legal land limits of the project, helping prevent possible encroachments, resolve any boundary disputes, and set a solid foundation for future maintenance and development. Precise boundaries are essential for managing water resources effectively and avoiding conflicts.
The Panasakhala Dam is a prime example of the critical role played by minor irrigation projects in Odisha's agricultural landscape.
While large dams often receive significant attention, smaller, community-run structures like Panasakhala form the foundation of water security for extensive areas of farmland. Ensuring their proper care and protection is essential for sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The committee's proactive approach in addressing the boundary issue immediately signals a strong commitment to responsible management.
The District Collector's quick response to the committee's concerns shows the administration's willingness to address local issues related to important infrastructure.
Its waters have supported crops, sustained families, and boosted the local economy. The challenge now is to preserve this legacy for future generations.
The boundary verification ordered by the Collector is an important first step under the leadership of the newly elected committee.
A clear and legally defined boundary will give the committee and local authorities better control over the resource, help plan necessary repairs or upgrades to the dam and canals, and protect it from unauthorized use or occupation. This is not just about drawing lines on a map; it's about ensuring the water security of hundreds of farming families.
The community’s involvement through the elected committee sets a positive example for local resource management.
As President Dillip Kumar Nayak and Secretary Sanatan Behera, along with their 298 fellow members, begin their term, their focus on foundational issues like boundary verification sets a promising precedent for proactive and sustainable management of the Panasakhala Irrigation Project. The farmers of Nayagarh are watching closely, hopeful that this renewed focus will ensure their fields keep receiving the life-giving water from Panasakhala for another fifty years and beyond.
Their first major initiative has led to the district administration ordering a survey to verify the boundaries of the dam and its associated canals. This is a key step in ensuring the continued safety and functionality of this essential resource for local farming.
Situated near Bandhabhuin in the Beruanbari Gram Panchayat of Nuagaon Block, the Panasakhala Dam holds more significance than just being a potential tourist attraction.
Built 50 years ago, it serves as the backbone of irrigation for hundreds of acres of farmland in the region. Its steady water supply has a direct impact on the livelihoods of many farmers and the local food production system.
Acknowledging the dam's crucial role and the need for its long-term preservation, the newly elected Panasakhala Water Users Committee, consisting of 300 members, acted swiftly.
Secretary Sanatan Behera emphasized the importance, stating, "The Panasakhala project is vital for our region as it irrigates hundreds of acres of farmland. Its protection is essential. " This awareness prompted their first formal request to the Nayagarh District Collector.
In response, the District Collector has instructed the Bahadajhoal R.I. (Revenue Inspector) to conduct a detailed survey and demarcation of the Panasakhala Dam and associated canal boundaries. This official verification is a basic administrative action. It will clearly define the legal land limits of the project, helping prevent possible encroachments, resolve any boundary disputes, and set a solid foundation for future maintenance and development. Precise boundaries are essential for managing water resources effectively and avoiding conflicts.
The Initiative Stems From a New Mandate
The committee, consisting of 300 members, was elected earlier this year, reflecting the active participation of the local community in managing this shared water resource. The committee members have chosen Dillip Kumar Nayak as their President and Sanatan Behera as Secretary, entrusting them with the responsibility of guiding the project's management.The Panasakhala Dam is a prime example of the critical role played by minor irrigation projects in Odisha's agricultural landscape.
While large dams often receive significant attention, smaller, community-run structures like Panasakhala form the foundation of water security for extensive areas of farmland. Ensuring their proper care and protection is essential for sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The committee's proactive approach in addressing the boundary issue immediately signals a strong commitment to responsible management.
The District Collector's quick response to the committee's concerns shows the administration's willingness to address local issues related to important infrastructure.
Protecting a Legacy, Ensuring the Future
For 50 years, the Panasakhala Dam has been a silent driver of growth for the villages around Bandhabhuin and Beruanbari.Its waters have supported crops, sustained families, and boosted the local economy. The challenge now is to preserve this legacy for future generations.
The boundary verification ordered by the Collector is an important first step under the leadership of the newly elected committee.
A clear and legally defined boundary will give the committee and local authorities better control over the resource, help plan necessary repairs or upgrades to the dam and canals, and protect it from unauthorized use or occupation. This is not just about drawing lines on a map; it's about ensuring the water security of hundreds of farming families.
The community’s involvement through the elected committee sets a positive example for local resource management.
As President Dillip Kumar Nayak and Secretary Sanatan Behera, along with their 298 fellow members, begin their term, their focus on foundational issues like boundary verification sets a promising precedent for proactive and sustainable management of the Panasakhala Irrigation Project. The farmers of Nayagarh are watching closely, hopeful that this renewed focus will ensure their fields keep receiving the life-giving water from Panasakhala for another fifty years and beyond.
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