Gaya District Magistrate Directs Officials to Accelerate North Koel Canal Project
District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar has issued a firm directive to officials to expedite the ongoing work on the North Koel canal project, emphasizing the critical need to meet the March 31 deadline. The DM conducted a thorough inspection of this inter-state irrigation initiative on Tuesday, focusing on the stretch from Sitahal village to Neema in the Amas block of Gaya district.
Project Scope and Agricultural Impact
In Gaya district, the project is being executed across approximately 6 kilometers. Upon its completion, it is projected to significantly enhance irrigation capacity, benefiting around 30,000 hectares of agricultural land. This boost will directly impact at least five key blocks within the district: Amas, Gurua, Guraru, Konch, and Paraiya.
During the inspection, DM Shashank Shubhankar highlighted the project's importance, stating, "This is a crucial inter-state irrigation and water resources project between Jharkhand and Bihar, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,367.61 crore. It is set to substantially boost agricultural productivity in both Gaya and Aurangabad districts."
Current Progress and Urgent Instructions
The construction involves a total of 19 structures, including single-lane and double-lane bridges as well as super passages. Currently, work is actively progressing on 11 of these structures. The District Magistrate has given clear instructions to ensure that the paving work for the canal commences within the next seven days. Additionally, he stressed the need to accelerate efforts on the remaining eight structures to keep the project on schedule.
"Ensure that paving work of the canal is started within seven days and the work on remaining eight structures is expedited," the DM emphasized during the site visit. He was accompanied by engineers from the water resources department, representatives from the construction company executing the project, and other key officials.
Background and Geographical Significance
The North Koel river originates from the Chhotanagpur plateau, and its waters are channeled through canals as part of this extensive project. This initiative not only aims to improve irrigation but also represents a significant step in regional water resource management, fostering agricultural growth and sustainability in the area.
The timely completion of the North Koel canal project is vital for the local farming communities, promising to transform agricultural practices and enhance crop yields across the designated blocks in Gaya district.
