NAYAGARH: In a significant move to address the development and management of the Panasakhal irrigation project, the Nayagarh Sub-Collector's office convened a high-level meeting on September 1, 2025. The discussion, held at the District Collector's Conference Hall in Nayagarh, focused on crucial issues including irrigation expansion, canal maintenance, and the contentious matter of pisciculture within the project's command area. 
Presided over by the Sub-Collector of Nayagarh, the meeting saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders. Key attendees included the newly elected President and Secretary of the Panasakhal Regional Water Users’ Committee, members of the old fisheries society, the Small Scale Irrigation Project Officer (SSIPO) of Nayagarh, the Executive Engineer of Nayagarh, Puri's Fisheries Development Officer Kaushalya Gang, Assistant General Manager of NABARD, the Tahasildar of Nuagaon, and the Fisheries Development Officer of Nayagarh.
The primary agenda was to formulate a clear action plan for the project's future. A major decision emerged to address the issue of encroachments within the project's boundary area. The administration resolved to conduct a joint survey and initiate eviction drives to free up land, with the Sub-Collector and the Tahasildar of Nuagaon tasked with coordinating this effort in consultation with the committee.
Furthermore, the meeting underscored the potential for expanding the project's reach. Officials decided to advance the development of branch and subsidiary canals. This initiative aims to bring irrigation water to a significantly larger number of farmers in the region, enhancing agricultural productivity. Plans for the repair and desilting of the main canal were also discussed to ensure efficient water delivery.
A directive was issued to the Water Users’ Committee to prepare a detailed, written proposal outlining all necessary future development works for the project. This proposal, to be submitted on the committee's official pad, will be presented to the relevant departmental officers for approval and action.
The session then turned to the complex issue of fisheries. The Sub-Collector questioned the Fisheries Development Officer of Nayagarh on the matter. The officer clarified that the project's foremost priority remains providing water for farmers' fields, though fishing could be permitted if necessary. The Sub-Collector responded by affirming that pisciculture should indeed be allowed to continue.
However, a point of contention arose regarding the management and benefits of the fisheries. The Secretary of the Water Users’ Committee, Mr. Sanatan Behera, presented a formal demand. Citing the European Odisha Pani Panchayat Act of 2002, he argued that the committee, elected by the farmers, holds ownership of the project assets. He proposed that if fishing is to continue, the rights and associated revenue (taxes and royalties) should be granted to the committee.
Mr. Behera's proposal included specific conditions: the responsible entity must deposit ₹200,000 annually for the maintenance and repair of the dam and canals. Additionally, they must supply fish to all farmers in the command area at a subsidized rate of ₹100 per kg and provide fish at a reasonable price to local residents.
The old fisheries society did not agree with this proposal from the new committee. This disagreement created a deadlock, preventing a conclusive decision on the fisheries management model for the current season.
Concluding the meeting, the Sub-Collector of Nayagarh provided a path forward. Acknowledging the committee's request, he instructed the Fisheries Development Officer to organize a larger meeting at the project level. This future gathering will include all concerned farmers, with a specific date to be set, to facilitate a broader discussion and finally achieve a consensus-based resolution on the fisheries issue.
Presided over by the Sub-Collector of Nayagarh, the meeting saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders. Key attendees included the newly elected President and Secretary of the Panasakhal Regional Water Users’ Committee, members of the old fisheries society, the Small Scale Irrigation Project Officer (SSIPO) of Nayagarh, the Executive Engineer of Nayagarh, Puri's Fisheries Development Officer Kaushalya Gang, Assistant General Manager of NABARD, the Tahasildar of Nuagaon, and the Fisheries Development Officer of Nayagarh.
The primary agenda was to formulate a clear action plan for the project's future. A major decision emerged to address the issue of encroachments within the project's boundary area. The administration resolved to conduct a joint survey and initiate eviction drives to free up land, with the Sub-Collector and the Tahasildar of Nuagaon tasked with coordinating this effort in consultation with the committee.
Furthermore, the meeting underscored the potential for expanding the project's reach. Officials decided to advance the development of branch and subsidiary canals. This initiative aims to bring irrigation water to a significantly larger number of farmers in the region, enhancing agricultural productivity. Plans for the repair and desilting of the main canal were also discussed to ensure efficient water delivery.
A directive was issued to the Water Users’ Committee to prepare a detailed, written proposal outlining all necessary future development works for the project. This proposal, to be submitted on the committee's official pad, will be presented to the relevant departmental officers for approval and action.
The session then turned to the complex issue of fisheries. The Sub-Collector questioned the Fisheries Development Officer of Nayagarh on the matter. The officer clarified that the project's foremost priority remains providing water for farmers' fields, though fishing could be permitted if necessary. The Sub-Collector responded by affirming that pisciculture should indeed be allowed to continue.
However, a point of contention arose regarding the management and benefits of the fisheries. The Secretary of the Water Users’ Committee, Mr. Sanatan Behera, presented a formal demand. Citing the European Odisha Pani Panchayat Act of 2002, he argued that the committee, elected by the farmers, holds ownership of the project assets. He proposed that if fishing is to continue, the rights and associated revenue (taxes and royalties) should be granted to the committee.
Mr. Behera's proposal included specific conditions: the responsible entity must deposit ₹200,000 annually for the maintenance and repair of the dam and canals. Additionally, they must supply fish to all farmers in the command area at a subsidized rate of ₹100 per kg and provide fish at a reasonable price to local residents.
The old fisheries society did not agree with this proposal from the new committee. This disagreement created a deadlock, preventing a conclusive decision on the fisheries management model for the current season.
Concluding the meeting, the Sub-Collector of Nayagarh provided a path forward. Acknowledging the committee's request, he instructed the Fisheries Development Officer to organize a larger meeting at the project level. This future gathering will include all concerned farmers, with a specific date to be set, to facilitate a broader discussion and finally achieve a consensus-based resolution on the fisheries issue.
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