>
Title: Need to give clearance to the Ong River Dam Project in Padampur Sub-division of Bargarh District, Orissa.
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA (SAMBALPUR): The Padampur Sub-division in the district of Bargarh in Orissa is one of the most backward areas of the country where there are no substantial facilities for irrigation and industry. This is a drought-prone area where every year thousands of people migrate other areas to earn a livelihood. A proposal is lying since last 50 years for construction of a dam project on river Ong which would irrigate agricultural land not only within Padampur Sub-division but also in Agalpur block of Bolangir district which is in the KBK region. This dam project, if materialized, would change the area into a granary because the land is fertile and the people are hard working. The Ong river dam project has already got TAC and Forest clearance and is now awaiting approval of Planning Commission. The estimated cost of the project now being around one thousand crore, it may not be possible on the part of the State Government to fund it fully at one stroke. The Padampur sub-division and a portion of Bolangir district, which is under KBK would be benefited by this project. I would urge upon the Central Government to initiate immediate necessary steps for clearance of this project and extend necessary financial assistance by including it in the category of a National project.