Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved a tender worth nearly Rs 100 crore for the construction of an in-stream storage structure across the Indra/Sundar river, a tributary of the Tel river, in Balangir district.
The project will come up near Patharla village in Titilagarh block at an estimated execution cost of Rs 99,99,99,999, excluding GST. It is scheduled to be completed within 30 calendar months.
The proposed structure aims to conserve surface water during the monsoon season for utilisation during lean periods when water availability declines. Nearly 90 per cent of Odisha’s annual rainfall is concentrated between June and October, resulting in substantial river flows that eventually drain into the sea.
According to the Water Resources Department, the project will ensure a sustainable domestic water supply to around 12 villages in Titilagarh and Bangomunda blocks of Balangir district.
Besides meeting drinking water requirements, the stored water is expected to support animal husbandry, fisheries and other livelihood activities dependent on the river.
The project is also expected to improve the region’s ecological balance and help replenish groundwater levels, the department said.
