Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved five Instream Storage Structure (ISS) projects worth Rs 625.47 crore across five districts within a month, aiming to strengthen water security, improve groundwater recharge and enhance climate resilience, officials said on Friday.
The projects, spread across Rayagada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Balangir and Sonepur districts, are expected to benefit nearly 72,000 people in 74 villages by improving water availability and supporting rural livelihoods, they said.
According to an official press release, the five approved projects include Dhuanpadar ISS on the Vansadhara River and Revatiguda ISS on the Nagavali River in Rayagada district; Bhimpur ISS on the Bahuda River in Ganjam district; Muralijore ISS near Nijharidara village in Bhawanipatna block of Kalahandi district; and Kutasingha Barrage across the Ong River, a major tributary of the Mahanadi, benefiting communities in Balangir and Sonepur districts.
The structures are designed to conserve monsoon water within river channels and ensure its availability during the lean season. They will also facilitate groundwater recharge, improve the sustainability of wells and borewells, and strengthen the resilience of water-stressed communities.
Apart from meeting domestic water requirements, the projects are expected to support irrigation, livestock rearing and other rural livelihood activities.
The Dhuanpadar, Muralijore and Revatiguda projects are also expected to create additional opportunities in fisheries and allied activities, contributing to rural incomes.
The projects are part of the state government’s strengthened mission-mode approach to the Instream Storage Structure programme since 2024, with a focus on water conservation, sustainable resource management and climate adaptation.
The government has been prioritising the development of sustainable water infrastructure to improve water availability, support river ecosystems and strengthen long-term water security.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state government continues to focus on water conservation and strengthening rural livelihoods, the release said.
Five New Projects, Five New In-Stream Storage Structures!
Odisha approves five ISS projects worth ₹625.47 crore, benefiting 72,000 people across 74 villages and strengthening water security, irrigation and rural livelihoods.@CMO_Odisha @IPR_Odisha @GWDOdisha @PRDeptOdisha https://t.co/bgS1AxndpH
— Department of Water Resources (@OdishaWater) November 10, 2026
