Superstructures: Lower Suktel Dam, Odisha | Full Film | National Geographic

Summary

The Lower Suk Tail Dam project in Balangir, Odisha, represents a transformative effort to secure irrigation for over 70,000 families across 100,000 acres. Despite facing two decades of resistance and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the project employs innovative technology and community involvement to ensure its success. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, the administration aims to alleviate water scarcity and enhance livelihoods, ultimately fostering sustainable development in a historically underdeveloped region. With robust infrastructure designed to last a century, this ambitious initiative not only promises water security but also empowers local farmers, creating a brighter future for Balangir.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The Lower Suktail Dam project in Bolangir, Odisha, is 1,410 meters long and aims to provide irrigation to over 70,000 families across 100,000 acres of farmland.
• ⏳ The project faced significant delays due to protests and resistance from local communities, beginning with its conception in 1999 and lasting for over two decades.
• 🤝 The government utilized a '5D initiative' focused on transparency, community engagement, and addressing local concerns to gain support for the project.
• 🏘️ The project impacted 29 villages, with 15 fully submerged, necessitating extensive rehabilitation efforts for displaced families.
• 📈 With a total cost of $632 million, the project includes compensation for over 11,000 families and aims to enhance local livelihoods through improved irrigation.
• 💧 The dam will transform agriculture in the region, moving from reliance on monsoons to assured irrigation, allowing for multiple cropping seasons.
• 🛠️ Technological advancements, such as a SCADA-controlled underground irrigation system, are being implemented to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
• 👷 The construction teams faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring strict safety protocols and effective resource management.
• 🌱 Farmers will benefit from access to modern irrigation technologies, such as micro-irrigation methods, enabling them to cultivate higher-value cash crops.
• 🏆 The Lower Suktail Dam symbolizes a major achievement in infrastructure and development for Odisha, aiming for long-term benefits and improved quality of life for local communities.

Q & A

What is the primary objective of the Lower Suktail Dam project?

The primary objective of the Lower Suktail Dam project is to provide assured irrigation to over 100,000 acres of farmland, benefiting more than 70,000 families in Balangir, Odisha.

What challenges did the project face during its development?

The project faced significant challenges, including intense political and social resistance, violent protests, and concerns over the displacement of affected villages.

What was the '5D initiative' introduced in 2021?

The '5D initiative' is a renewed approach focusing on teamwork, transparency, and direct engagement with communities to overcome resistance and expedite the project.

How does the project plan to rehabilitate displaced families?

The project includes a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation strategy that assesses each family's unique needs, provides adequate compensation, and establishes rehabilitation colonies with essential facilities.

What technological advancements are being implemented in the project?

The project utilizes advanced irrigation technology, including pressurized underground pipelines and SCADA systems for efficient water management, as well as micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.

How long is the Lower Suktail Dam, and what is its spillway length?

The Lower Suktail Dam is 1,410 meters long, with a spillway measuring 255 meters.

What are the expected economic impacts of the dam project on local farmers?

The dam is expected to enhance farmers' livelihoods by enabling year-round crop cultivation, increasing agricultural productivity, and reducing the need for migration for work.

What role did community engagement play in the project’s success?

Community engagement was crucial in building trust, addressing concerns, and ensuring that the benefits of the project were clearly communicated to the affected populations.

How does the project address water scarcity in Balangir?

The project addresses water scarcity by creating a reliable water source through the dam, reducing dependency on unpredictable monsoons and providing a sustainable irrigation system.

What is the anticipated lifespan of the irrigation projects like the Lower Suktail Dam?

The major irrigation projects, including the Lower Suktail Dam, are designed to last for at least 100 years, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.