Katepurna Barrage Project,

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Katepurna Barrage, in Murtijapur town of Akola. Conceptualized on August 31, 2007, the project has failed to irrigate even a single inch of land even after the exchequer incurred an expenditure of Rs109 crore. Like all other projects, its cost also jumped by a whopping 450% over this period due to delays and steep escalation raw materials prices. At the time of its conceptualization, the actual cost was pegged at Rs69.97 crore. Seven years later, its cost has shot up to Rs398.89 crore, which is over six times the original, as per the latest revised estimates (Suprama) submitted to the government on November 30 last year.
Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) officials as usual passed the buck on Nashik-based Central Designs Organization (CDO) for delaying the project design. Initially, seven gates were proposed and administrative approval was also taken. Later, the numbers were found inadequate and it was revised to 11 gates.
"Even central pier, which is the base of the entire project, is yet to be constructed as CDO is yet to send its design. Moreover, the work continues for only six months on such projects, since rainy season increases water flow through the river. We again start work from October," VIDC executive engineer for the project Vasant Bhade told TOI.
The visit to the barrage was part of the 'Sinchan Shodh Yatra' jointly organized by NGOs Jan Manch, Loknayak Bapuji Aney Smarak Samiti, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council and others on Sunday.
Like other projects in the saline belt, here too two canals were proposed on its right bank, despite the fact that it will lead to loss of crops. The length of two canals is 7.38km and 6.45km, through which it was projected to irrigate 4,550 hectare.
Ironically, even the 367.22 hectares required has not been fully acquired till date due to various problems like resistance from villagers and complaints of inadequate compensation. Out of it, 282.79 hectares of private land is required along with 78.09 hectares of administrative and 6.34 hectares of forest land. However, only 164.40 hectare has been acquired so far. "Budgetary allocation of Rs25 crore was made for the project last year, but we require Rs55 crore more for laying canals. We've sent a proposal for this fund in September.