Water Resources Department Pushes for Timely Project Completion
Five major and 100 minor projects to be prioritized under Odisha’s 5-Year Irrigation Plan
Bhubaneswar: In a bid to modernise water management and expand irrigation coverage, the Department of Water Resources has intensified efforts across Odisha. Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess departmental spending and finalize the roadmap for upcoming initiatives.
The meeting emphasized completing ongoing projects within deadlines under the state’s 5-Year Irrigation Plan. Five major, 15 medium, and 100 minor irrigation projects have been earmarked for fast-track implementation. The Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources, will monitor progress on all projects, while the Engineer-in-Chief (Procurement) has been directed to expedite tendering processes.
Tank development under the Odisha Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Project (OIIPCRA) will be advanced by the Odisha Construction Corporation (OCC) and the Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation. To ensure financial sustainability, industries will be encouraged to improve water rate payments, overseen by the Engineer-in-Chief (Planning & Design).
Key priorities include installing gates on ungated projects, automating existing gates, advancing river interlinking, and completing 50 minor irrigation projects using underground pressurized pipeline (UGPL) systems. Recruitment of 469 Junior Assistants is also being fast-tracked to strengthen manpower.
These measures underline Odisha’s focus on ensuring long-term water security and agricultural growth.
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