Korukonda, Jan, 09: Under the leadership of the Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Er. Trup Kumar Patra, a Water Panchayat event was successfully conducted at the Poteru Water Resources site located in Balimela town under Korukonda block, Malkangiri district. This event marked the completion of the annual division-level water allocation for the current year.
The program began with the ceremonial lighting of lamps, offering of incense, and flowers to a photo of Lord Jagannath by the chief guest, invoking blessings for the event. The chief guests included Mahesh Kumar Pani, Chief District Agriculture Officer; Sarup Kumar Majhi, Assistant Executive Engineer of the District Irrigation Department, as the main speaker; Patitpavan Beidya, Vice Chairman of Malkangiri Zilla Parishad; representatives of Chitrakonda and Malkangiri constituencies, Isaac Khosla and Muya Madkami; and prominent journalists Niranjan Mall and Samw Deb Prasad Dash.
At the start, Er. Soumen Nath provided all the relevant details of the water distribution process. Following this, over a hundred farmers and invited guests took an oath. The event also featured a cultural performance of Odissi dance by children to welcome the guests. After this, the dignitaries delivered their speeches.
Er. Trup Kumar Patra provided special guidance to farmers regarding water management, irrigation, and investment strategies. The Chief District Agriculture Officer also explained various crop practices in Malkangiri, covering not only paddy cultivation but also Rabi crops, pulses, and aromatic paddy varieties, giving detailed instructions for their cultivation.
Er. Soumen Nath managed the event proceedings and addressed all questions raised by the attending farmers regarding their benefits and challenges, ensuring clarity and satisfaction. The officials emphasized that the department always works for the welfare of the farmers.
The event concluded with traditional local tribal dance performances, and Er. Arjun Bishoi, Assistant Executive Engineer, expressed gratitude to all farmers and guests for their valuable time and contributions, making the program a success.