Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government announced on Tuesday its plans to construct at least seven new barrages on the tributaries of the Mahanadi River to enhance water availability and management across the state. This initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve irrigation and drinking water supply.
Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik shared this information in the State Assembly, highlighting that discussions have already been held with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to advance the project. The construction of these barrages is expected to significantly boost water resource management, benefiting agriculture and ensuring a steady supply of drinking water.
In addition to the barrage project, the Odisha government is in talks with neighboring Chhattisgarh to ensure the smooth and regular flow of Mahanadi River water into the state.
Minister Naik stated that the issue of water inflow from Chhattisgarh has been discussed at both the ministerial and official levels. Chief Minister Majhi has personally engaged with Chhattisgarh’s Minister to resolve the matter, while officials from both states have held meetings to address inter-state river water-sharing concerns.
The proposed barrages are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Odisha’s water infrastructure and ensure sustainable water management. This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on irrigation, drinking water availability, and overall water resource utilization in the state.
