Bhawanipatna, Jan. 14 -- Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today visited Kalahandi and dedicated 54 projects worth Rs 1064 crore including the Upper Indravati Lift Canal system for the people of the district.

The CM also laid foundation stone of 52 projects worth Rs 1020 crore in the district.

The Upper Indravati Lift Canal system has been constructed at a cost of Rs 986.71 crore and is capable of irrigating 25,275 hectares of farmland. The system comprises 43.26 km of concrete canal and 1142 km of underground pipeline.

Around 3 lakh farmers of Koksara, Jaipatna and Dharamgarh blocks in the district will be benefited with the launch of the lift canal system. Water will be lifted from Mangalpur barrage for the irrigation.

The 54 pro...