NCSUY exists only on paper

Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana (NCSUY), an ambitious scheme to irrigate farmlands in state, has remained a non-starter even though more than seven years have elapsed to its announcement, according to reports.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

The state government had approved this irrigation project November 23 in 2017, marking the birth anniversary of former chief minister Nabakrushna Choudhury. Initially, ₹635 crore was earmarked for its implementation in the first three years in Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts. Subsequently, in April 2022, the government decided to expand the scheme across the state, aiming to rejuvenate lost command areas and create additional irrigation potential. However, despite the passage of more than seven years since its approval, the promises have largely remained on paper, leading to frustration among farmers.

The government had set a target of providing irrigation facilities across 100 per cent of agricultural lands in the state. Under this programme, efforts were being made to augment irrigation capacity, maintain canals, prepare crop calendars, ensure equitable water distribution, and strengthen water user associations.