THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dumka, Nov 24: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday formally inaugurated the “Jharkhand Flying Institute” at the Sido-Kanhu Airport campus in Dumka.
On the occasion, he also launched and laid the foundation stone of several development projects, distributed appointment letters and handed over assets to beneficiaries, giving fresh momentum to welfare efforts in the region.
CM reviews Masalia–Raneswar Mega Lift Irrigation Project
The Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing construction work of the Masalia–Raneswar Mega Lift Irrigation Project at Murguni in Raneswar block, built on the Siddheshwari River.
The project is among the major irrigation initiatives launched by the state government to expand modern water distribution systems across Jharkhand.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Alok Kumar Soren, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, and Secretary Prashant Kumar.
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CM Stresses Timely Completion
Calling the project crucial for Dumka district, the Chief Minister directed officials and the executing agency to complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeline.
Once operational, the project is expected to provide irrigation facilities to more than 22,000 hectares of agricultural land across Masalia and Raneswar blocks.
“We want to dedicate this project to farmers as soon as possible. The faster it is completed, the sooner farmers will benefit from assured irrigation,” he said.
Multipurpose Benefits Expected
Soren added that the project has been designed not only for irrigation but also for broader utility. Additional water from the river will be diverted to ponds and reservoirs, which can help recharge groundwater and enhance water conservation.
He said the initiative will also boost tourism opportunities in the region, thereby creating new livelihood avenues for local communities.
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Work Progress at Nearly 80%, Says Contractor
Officials from Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the company responsible for construction, informed the Chief Minister that nearly 80% of the project work is complete.
Key updates shared include:
- Construction of the barrage is almost finished
- More than 90% work on 15 gates is completed
- One out of three pump houses is ready; work on the remaining two is ongoing
- Out of five delivery chambers, three have been completed and two will be completed shortly
The company officials assured that irrigation will begin by January next year for about 6,400 hectares through underground pipelines.
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Project Details
The Masalia–Raneswar Mega Lift Irrigation Project, launched in November 2022 with a budget of ₹1,313 crore, will supply irrigation water to 226 villages across 19 panchayats in Masalia and Raneswar blocks. A network of underground pipelines will deliver water to 22,283 hectares of farmland, supporting year-round cultivation.
The state government has identified the project as a key step toward fulfilling its resolve of ensuring accessible irrigation to every farm in Jharkhand.
