Odisha is charting an ambitious path toward all-round growth—one that goes beyond roads and industries to secure the very foundation of its prosperity: water. In a landmark move, the Odisha Cabinet on Thursday cleared a ₹21,147-crore package aimed at transforming the state’s water conservation, irrigation, and flood management systems.
Chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the cabinet’s 28th session approved 15 proposals across 10 departments. Among them, three major initiatives stood out: the expansion of in-stream water storage structures, the introduction of an intra-state river linking programme, and the extension of the Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana. Together, these efforts are expected to change how Odisha harnesses its water resources—ensuring stability for its farmers and resilience against climate challenges.
Harnessing Monsoon Waters Through In-Stream Storage
The centrepiece of the Cabinet’s approval is the extension of the “Construction of In-Stream Storage Structures” (ISS) scheme for five more years, backed by a massive ₹19,941-crore investment from state resources.
The ISS model, first implemented under “ISS 1.0,” focuses on building storage structures within riverbeds that capture excess monsoon runoff. These structures allow water to seep into the ground, replenish aquifers, and maintain supplies for irrigation, livestock, and drinking needs throughout the year—without displacing communities.
“These in-stream reservoirs are quietly changing the hydrological map of Odisha,” said a senior Water Resources Department official. “They help conserve surface water that would otherwise drain into the sea, providing both flood moderation and drought mitigation benefits.”
By storing seasonal rainfall and stabilizing river flow, the ISS scheme also supports fisheries and rural livelihoods, making it one of Odisha’s most impactful conservation programmes.
Connecting Rivers, Balancing Nature
In another transformative step, the Cabinet cleared the ₹1,790-crore Intra-State River Linking Scheme to redistribute water between surplus and deficit basins. The project envisions linking six major river systems—including Karta, Bahuda–Tampara, and Telengiri–Upper Kolab—to ensure balanced water availability across districts.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted that this initiative will “reduce the state’s vulnerability to both floods and droughts while expanding irrigation coverage and improving crop productivity.”
By diverting excess water from flood-prone areas to drier regions, the project creates a self-sustaining water grid, ensuring no part of the state remains water-deficient. This integrated network is also expected to enhance groundwater recharge and support sustainable agriculture in chronically dry belts.
Reviving Old Irrigation Networks
The Cabinet also extended the Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana—named after Odisha’s pioneering agrarian reformer—for another five years (2025–30) with an outlay of ₹1,437 crore.
The renewed phase will target the revitalization of ageing irrigation infrastructure to restore lost potential across 1.23 lakh hectares and add 4,862 new hectares under irrigation. The plan includes dredging silted canals, repairing embankments, and modernizing water distribution systems to bridge the gap between Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and Irrigation Potential Utilized (IPU).
“Efficient water use is at the heart of sustainable farming,” said an official from the Agriculture Department. “Restoring old systems will directly enhance farm productivity and resilience.”
Similar Growth Push Across Sectors
Odisha’s focus on infrastructure reform extends beyond water. Recent cabinet sessions have cleared projects in transport connectivity, green energy, industrial corridors, and education modernization. From expanding rural roads and industrial parks to launching renewable energy hubs and digital learning initiatives, the state is steadily diversifying its development agenda.
These cross-sector investments reflect a single vision—building an economy that is sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.
A State Tackling Its Water Paradox
Despite receiving 1,200–1,800 mm of rainfall annually, Odisha remains vulnerable to both floods and droughts due to erratic monsoons and poor water storage. According to official data, nearly 80% of the state’s 230 billion cubic metres of annual rainfall drains into the sea.
The newly approved schemes directly address this paradox—capturing monsoon surplus and redistributing it strategically. Together, they represent one of India’s most comprehensive state-led water management blueprints.
From Abundance to Assurance
Odisha’s ₹21,147-crore water mission signals more than just infrastructure investment—it represents a structural transformation in resource governance. By aligning conservation, connectivity, and modernization, the state is moving toward climate resilience, agricultural security, and sustainable livelihoods.
If executed effectively, these projects will not only safeguard the state’s water wealth but also redefine its development model—making Odisha a national leader in integrated water management and rural empowerment.
(With agency inputs)
