Rourkela: Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, Anu Garg, emphasised the importance of water conservation and security at the inaugural session of Hydro International 2025, held at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, today.
Garg highlighted Odisha’s vision for a ‘Viksit Odisha’ and aimed to make the state water-secure by 2047, aligning with the National Water Vision @2047. She stressed the 5 S-scale (scale, speed, synergy, sustainability, and system) to ensure water security and urged participants to research innovative ways to achieve 100% water security.
The event, jointly organised by the Indian Society of Hydraulics and NEET, Rourkela at NIT, saw participation from national and international experts, faculty members, professionals, and students.
Garg also inspected under-construction inland water reservoir projects and reviewed welfare projects in Rourkela, including the Bio-Mass pellet plant, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, and an affordable housing project.
She suggested developing TISCO Pond as a major picnic spot, preserving its natural beauty, and setting up a gallery at the Hockey Stadium. Garg also visited the Mission Shakti Cafe, Daimit Haat Amusement Park, and Birsa Munda Athletic Stadium, interacting with players and officials.
A review meeting at the Rourkela Municipal Corporation office discussed project progress, with Garg advising officials to expedite stalled projects and start new ones to boost revenue generation. Urban Development Department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee also attended, highlighting plans to expand Rourkela airport and develop it into a major hub.
