Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet has approved the “Intra-State River Linking Scheme in Odisha” with an estimated outlay of Rs. 1790.00 crore, to be executed over a period of five years from FY 2025-26 to 2029-30. The scheme aims to optimise intra-state water distribution by connecting water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions.
The project will improve drought resilience, create additional water storage, mitigate flood risks, and boost agricultural productivity. It comprises six major projects, including the Kalra Link Project, Vansadhara-Rushikulya Intra-link Project, and others.
The scheme is expected to address water-related challenges posed by climate change, which has created uncertainty in monsoon rains. By linking water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions, the project will help ensure a more equitable distribution of water resources, benefiting agriculture and communities across the state.
