Koraput: Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati has protested the delay in implementation of new works under Upper Kolab and Telengiri irrigation projects in his constituency and urged CM Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene for their early execution. Bahinipati said the water resources minister assured the assembly that since 2022 several works aimed at expanding irrigation potential under the two projects would be taken up. He said the proposed works were still under scrutiny by the water resources department. “I have been assured of implementing these projects by the Hon’ble minister for water resources on the floor of the assembly since 2022. But I am very much disappointed to know that all the new projects promised by the minister are still under scrutiny of the department of water resources,” Bahinipati said in a letter to the CM.He said four financial years — 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 — had passed without the proposed works being implemented. He urged the govt to take up the projects during the current financial year and complete them by 2027-28. According to him, the proposed works could create nearly 16,000 hectares of additional irrigation potential. This includes 13,000 hectares through lift irrigation projects, 1,600 hectares of additional ayacut and the revival of 1,400 hectares of lost ayacut. He also claimed that the works could facilitate the generation of 1.20 MW of green energy.The MLA alleged that project authorities had failed to adequately follow up on queries raised by Water Resources Department. He alleged that senior officials, including the principal secretary and the concerned engineers-in-chief, had not ensured time-bound follow-up and execution of the projects. Bahinipati said the CM had assured him that he would look into the matter and take necessary steps for the early implementation of the pending works.