BHUBANESWAR: The State Government will build two more check dams on the lower catchments of Indravati river to tackle drinking water scarcity in Nabarangpur district. This was decided at a high level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Besides, a 42-km long canal up to Majhiguda will be constructed in the district. Official sources said both the measures will ensure that the river carries water even during the summer. Construction of the check dams will also ensure that the ground water situation in the district will improve. The depleting ground water level in the district has emerged as major concern for the authorities. An estimate of Rs 200 cr has been finalised for the check dams and canal. The Chief Minister has directed the officials to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) within a month. The Government had to devise the alternative project as the Indravati dam did not benefit the district in any way. It has solved problem of irrigation in Kalahandi district to some extent and improved the power situation in the entire State. Not a single acre in Nabarangpur district has been irrigated by the Indravati dam project resulting in large-scale resentment among the people. The Chief Minister had assured the people during campaign for the general elections last year that an alternative arrangement will be made for the district. There will be no displacement because of the check dams and canal, sources said. Nabarangpur BJD MLA Manohar Gandhari, Water Resources department secretary Suresh Mohapatra, senior engineers and officials of the departments attended the meeting.