Report on Minor Irrigation Works (Orissa State)

Abstract

The State of Orissa comprises jurisdictional units, inheriting administrative procedures and revenue systems of different States namely Bengal, Bihar, Central Provinces and Madras, as also of 23 princely States, which merged with it in 1948-49. This conglomerate complexion is amply reflected in the organisation, up-keep and maintenance of its irrigation schemes also more particularly minor irrigation works. Present day Orissa extends over an area of 6,164 square miles. It has a coastal line of about 400 kilometre (250 miles) along the Bay of Bengal. It lies between North latitude 17’—50' to 22°—34', and East longitude 81’—27' to 87°—29'. The State can be divided physically into four well-defined regions. Each of these regions has its distinguishing characteristics. (a) Northern Plateau—This is traversed by Brahmani and Vaitami rivers. Starting from the hills sloping towards the Bay of Bengal on the East it comprises forested hills of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Sundargarh districts. This plateau is richly endowed with minerals. Dharwar rocks of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh districts are good source of iron ore and manganese deposits. Gondwana rocks of Talcher have large deposits of coal. Besides, lime-stone, chromite, dolomite are also found in this plateau. Agriculturally however, this is a backward area.