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Title: Need to expedite the Orissa Water Sector Improvement Project and give clearance to the Mahanadi Basin Development Plan.
SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I draw the attention of the Government towards Orissa Water Sector Improvement Project. The Detailed Project Reports of three major components of Mahanadi Basin Development Plan (MBDP) is pending with Central WaterCommission for clearance. This has been posed to World Bank for funding. It is only after the clearance of these three components, which deals with raising and strengthening of existing embankments under Mahandi Delta below Naraj, drainage development of coastal belt of Orissa and Mega Lift Component at Mundali, Baideswar, Padmavati, Banapur and Upper Indravati costing around Rs. 850 crore, the project can be cleared by Central TAC.
As the Mahanadi system is facing devastating floods at repeated intervals and drought is as common because of unpredicted rainfall, it has become essential to strengthen the embankments as well as develop the drainage system. To assure the farmers a dependable irrigation facility, Mega Lift Component has become very necessary.
I urge upon the Government to immediately process the proposed Orissa Water Sector Improvement Project, and clear the MBDP that is pending with Central Water Commission at the earliest.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO (KALAHANDI): Sir, can I associate myself with Shri Mahtab on the issue raised by him under Rule 377?
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No, you cannot associate like that.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : I can be associated, Sir.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please sit down. Now, I give the floor to Shri Prabodh Panda.