Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance irrigation capacity and modernise water management, the Department of Water Resources is intensifying efforts across Odisha. Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials on Tuesday to evaluate departmental spending and chart out the roadmap for upcoming initiatives.
The meeting underscored the importance of completing ongoing projects within stipulated timelines to achieve the goals set under the state’s 5-Year Irrigation Plan. To this end, five major, 15 medium, and 100 minor irrigation projects have been earmarked for accelerated implementation.
The Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources, has been assigned the responsibility of monitoring progress on both existing and new projects.
Additionally, the Engineer-in-Chief (Procurement) was instructed to expedite the tendering process to ensure early execution of projects. The meeting also directed the Odisha Construction Corporation (OCC) and the Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation, to advance tank development projects under the Odisha Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Project (OIIPCRA).
For financial sustainability, the Engineer-in-Chief (Planning & Design) was tasked with enhancing water rate collection from industries. The meeting also stressed the importance of visible progress in critical areas, including the installation of gates on ungated projects, automation of existing gates, and river interlinking. The department further set a target to complete 50 minor irrigation projects using underground pressurized pipeline (UGPL) systems.
Strengthening manpower is another priority, with the recruitment of 469 Junior Assistants being fast-tracked.
These measures highlight Odisha’s focus on expanding its irrigation network, modernizing water infrastructure, and ensuring long-term agricultural growth and water security.
