Kokrajhar, Sept. 2: Assam transport minister Chandan Brahma inaugurated the multicrore-rupee Balapara-Salbari flow irrigation scheme yesterday.

Built at the cost of Rs 3.76 crore, the scheme at Balapara in Chriang district was initiated in 1988 but the work stated in 1991 only.

After 1992, the work had stopped because of the Bodo agitation and deteriorating law and order in the area.

The state government, hit by a funds crunch, proposed to continue the scheme under the Centre-sponsored Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme. Finally, the scheme was taken up under the programme in 2009.

The main structure of the irrigation scheme consists of 12 cross regulation gates and two head regulation gates. It has a canal network of 6.8km.

The scheme will cover a net irrigable area of 280 hectares covering more than 10 villages.

Inaugurating the scheme, Brahma said the irrigation department in BTC is making a significant mark in the region by executing the irrigation schemes.

The deputy chief of the BTC, Kampa Borgoyary, said it had been long cherished dream of people of the area.

“We are doing our best for the interest of people in the region under the direction of BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary. We are successful in implementing various irrigation projects. So far, 208 schemes are going on in the BTC area. There is no dearth of funds from the Centre if projects are executed successfully,” Hitesh Basumatary, executive member in-charge of irrigation, said.

Mahen Boro, council head of the irrigation department, said the projects in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts were heading in the right direction.

He said massive irrigation development activities are being carried on in the BTC region for the benefit of the farmers.