Bhubaneswar: A team from the World Bank, comprising C. Rajagopal Singh (Task Team Leader, DRIP-II), Ajit Pattnaik (Institutional Expert), and Vishakha Jha (Water Resources Expert), met with the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg to discuss about ongoing initiatives and future strategies related to dam safety in Odisha.
During the meeting, the team reviewed the progress made under the World Bank-assisted Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). Under DRIP-I, 26 dams were successfully rehabilitated, while rehabilitation work is currently in progress for 13 dams under DRIP-II. The World Bank officials commended the State of Odisha for its commendable performance in implementing both DRIP-I and DRIP-II and expressed optimism regarding the effective implementation of DRIP-III.
The upcoming DRIP-III phase includes major components such as the construction of an additional spillway at the Hirakud Dam and automation of its gates.
The team also appreciated the State’s initiative in preparing Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for 25 dams. They emphasized the importance of integrating these EAPs into the State Disaster Management Plan. As a forward-looking step, this integration will initially be implemented on a pilot basis in one or two districts, followed by expansion to all districts across the State. Odisha’s initiative is expected to serve as a model for other States in the country.
In addition, the World Bank delegation lauded the implementation of the State-funded “Dam Protection & Improvement Work (DPIW)” scheme, which has a budget provision of Rs 200 Crores. This initiative aims to rehabilitate other distressed dams within the State, further strengthening dam safety and resilience.
