Bhubaneswar: The government plays the most significant role in water conservation and management, but it is imperative that everyone contributes at both individual and collective levels, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today while addressing a ceremony organized by the Water Resources Department on the occasion of World Water Day at the Convention Center in Lok Seva Bhawan.
According to an official press release, the Chief Minister shed light on water disputes with various states, stating that Odisha takes these issues seriously and is committed to resolving them swiftly. He mentioned the ongoing dispute with Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi River, noting that discussions on this matter took place during a meeting with the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister at Lok Seva Bhawan today. With a “triple-engine government” in place at the center, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, he expressed optimism that this dispute would be amicably resolved.
The Chief Minister emphasized that life cannot exist without water. He highlighted concerns raised by the World Meteorological Organization about the availability of usable water due to global climate change. Over the past 20 years, soil moisture and water stored in glaciers have been steadily decreasing. In this context, water conservation and keeping water pollution-free are essential for the future.
He cited 2021 data, stating that over 220 crore people live in countries facing water scarcity, a number that continues to rise due to climate change and population growth. World Water Day is observed to raise awareness about providing clean water to every individual and ensuring its judicious use, with the ultimate goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal by 2030—ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.
He further stated that since coming to power, the government has taken extensive steps to prioritize water conservation and management. Efforts are being made to ensure water reaches farmers at the tail-end of canals. The government has set a target to irrigate an additional 15 lakh hectares of land within the next five years, by 2029. For the protection and efficient management of water resources, a budget allocation of ₹14,841 crore 72 lakh 92 thousand has been made this year. The government’s aim is not only to provide irrigation but also to holistically manage water resources, ensuring that every citizen of the state has access to necessary water for drinking and other purposes without harming the environment.
The Chief Minister added that the government is formulating a new water policy for the state. Steps are also being taken to restore silted and polluted rivers and canals. The Water Resources Department has constructed 9 major, 48 medium, and 3,853 minor irrigation projects, conserving approximately 24.65 billion cubic meters of water so far. Additionally, 16,704 check dams have been built across the state. Plans are in place to conserve 65,792 hectare-meters of water through 72 in-stream storage projects across various rivers, of which 22 are under construction and 6 have been completed. These water infrastructures will significantly help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, he noted.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan on World Water Day in 2021, the Chief Minister said, “Rapid development is impossible without water security and efficient water management.” Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2024, various initiatives in the state have led to the creation of 180,643 water conservation structures, the renovation of 35,862 traditional water bodies, 34,534 groundwater recharge structures, and 178,109 watershed projects.
Lastly, the Chief Minister urged everyone to prevent water wastage in domestic use, conserve water, and ensure its optimal use in agriculture and industry.
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated 100 check dams constructed across 20 districts at a cost of ₹80 crore. He also dedicated four minor irrigation projects—Ghasidihi MIP in Keonjhar district, Biluamara MIP in Ganjam district, Kurlunda MIP in Gajapati district, and Baghia MIP in Mayurbhanj district—along with their underground pipeline networks, built at a cost of ₹61.53 crore. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for 18 mega lift irrigation projects worth ₹1,227 crore, aimed at irrigating 27,337 hectares of upland in Angul, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, and Mayurbhanj districts.
The Chief Minister also launched the “Go-Water” ERP App and unveiled an information booklet related to it.
In her welcome address, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Anu Garg, said that the new government is placing special emphasis on water resource development and conservation. With a vision of a Samruddha (prosperous) Odisha by 2036, the department has prepared plans and programs to meet water needs for drinking, agricultural irrigation, eco-tourism, hydropower, and industrial purposes.
Engineer-in-Chief Chandra Shekhar Padhi delivered the vote of thanks. Among others, Engineer-in-Chief (Planning and Design) Lingaraj Gouda and Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Ashutosh Dash also addressed the gathering.
The event was attended by senior officials from various departments and members of water user associations (Pani Panchayats).
