BHUBANESWAR: The state cabinet headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday approved award of tenders for four mega lift irrigation (LI) projects that would create additional irrigation potential for nearly 62,000 hectares.

The 54 mega LI points to be developed in four clusters will help farmers in 23 blocks of five districts namely-- Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Ganjam, Kalahandi and Nuapada.

"The cabinet approved award of works to L&T to execute 28 LI points in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts. Similarly, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited would execute 14 points in Ganjam and GVPR Engineering Ltd will execute 12 points in Nuapada and Kalahandi districts," said chief secretary A P Padhi told news persons after the cabinet meeting.

According to sources, the LI points would be developed on rivers like Ibb, Sapei and Basundhara in Jharsuguda district, Rushikulya, Padma, Badanadi and Bahuda rivers in Ganjam district, Deo, Koel and Sankha rivers in Sundargarh and Udanti, Tel, Indra, Sunder and Jonk rivers in Nuapada and Kalahandi districts.

On funding of the projects, water resources secretary P K Jena said nearly Rs 1800 crore would be spent for development of the LI points and the entire amount would be borne by the state government and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Construction of all the 54 LI points would be completed in 30 months from the date of award of tender, he said.