Sambalpur MP Pradhan reviews DISHA meet on irrigation, rail
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a DISHA meeting to review irrigation expansion, hydrology mapping and railway upgrades in Sambalpur district.
Sambalpur MP and former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Sambalpur on Tuesday, 09 September 2026 at 3:30 am. The meeting, reported by the Express News Service, focused on accelerating development initiatives in the district, with a particular emphasis on expanding irrigation facilities, upgrading water management infrastructure, and modernising railway assets. Pradhan, who previously served as a Union minister, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between government officials and elected representatives to ensure timely execution of the projects discussed.
What irrigation targets were set for Sambalpur district?
Pradhan said that around 80,000 hectares of farmland are currently under irrigation, which covers nearly 50 per cent of the district’s cultivated area. He noted that irrigation coverage has already reached 70‑80 per cent in blocks such as Dhanakauda and Maneswar, reflecting relatively better water access in those areas. Building on this foundation, the district has set a target to bring an additional 50,000 hectares under irrigation over the next two to five years. Pradhan stressed that achieving this goal would require a systematic assessment of existing water resources and the deployment of appropriate irrigation technologies.
How will solar-powered pumps and hydrology mapping be implemented?
According to Pradhan, a district‑level hydrology map will be prepared by evaluating canals, streams, water bodies, tanks and in‑stream storage potential within the Mahanadi command area. This map is intended to identify gaps and opportunities for expanding irrigated acreage. The meeting also called for wider deployment of solar‑powered irrigation pumps under the PM‑KUSUM scheme, specifically targeting upland blocks such as Naktideul, Rairakhol, Kuchinda, Bamra and Jamankira, where conventional electricity supply may be limited. In addition, participants discussed the restoration of the Hirakud canal system and the expediting of in‑stream projects to improve water conveyance and storage efficiency.
What railway station upgrades were discussed?
Pradhan informed the committee that the redevelopment of Sambalpur railway station is already underway, with an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore. He added that modernisation works are planned for Hirakud, Sambalpur City, Rairakhol and Rengali stations, alongside the construction of third and fourth railway lines to enhance capacity and connectivity. Pradhan urged officials and elected representatives to work in close coordination to ensure faster implementation of these development projects, emphasizing that timely execution is crucial for realizing the anticipated benefits for the district’s residents and economy.
Who chaired the DISHA meeting in Sambalpur?
Sambalpur MP and former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting.
What is the current irrigation coverage in Sambalpur district?
Around 80,000 hectares of farmland are under irrigation, covering nearly 50 percent of the cultivated area.
What target has Sambalpur district set for expanding irrigation?
The district aims to bring an additional 50,000 hectares under irrigation over the next two to five years.
What did Pradhan say about a hydrology map?
Pradhan said a district-level hydrology map would be prepared by assessing canals, streams, water bodies, tanks and in-stream storage potential in the Mahanadi command area.
Which blocks were identified for wider deployment of solar-powered pumps under PM-KUSUM?
Upland blocks such as Naktideul, Rairakhol, Kuchinda, Bamra and Jamankira were identified for wider deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps under PM-KUSUM.
What railway station projects were reviewed in the meeting?
Redevelopment of Sambalpur railway station at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore, modernisation of Hirakud, Sambalpur City, Rairakhol and Rengali stations, and construction of third and fourth railway lines were reviewed.
What did Pradhan urge officials and representatives to do?
Pradhan urged officials and elected representatives to work in close coordination to ensure faster implementation of development projects.
Which canal system was discussed for restoration?
Restoration of the Hirakud canal system was discussed.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
View all articles by Debraj →
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