Five in-stream storage projects worth ₹625 crore approved in Odisha

The Odisha government has approved five in-stream storage structure projects at a cost of ₹625.47 crore to strengthen water security in the state and address difficulties arising from climate change. According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), these projects will be implemented in the districts of Rayagada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Balangir, and Sonepur. This significant initiative will directly benefit approximately 72,000 people across 74 villages and meet their water requirements.

According to a government statement, the main objective of these projects is to store water that flows away during the monsoon within the riverbed itself, so that it can be used during times of drought or water scarcity. A senior official of the Water Resources Department stated that these infrastructural facilities will not only support local water needs but also irrigation, animal husbandry, and other rural livelihood activities. This stored water will help recharge groundwater, which will increase the sustainability of wells and borewells and strengthen the resilience of water-stressed communities.

The approved projects include the Dhuanpadar structure on the Vamsadhara river and the Revatiguda structure on the Nagavali river in Rayagada district. Additionally, the Bhimpur structure on the Bahuda river in Ganjam district, the Murlijore structure near Nizaridara village in the Bhawanipatna block of Kalahandi district, and the Kutasingha barrage on the Ong river, a major tributary of the Mahanadi, will be constructed to benefit communities in Balangir and Sonepur districts. The Dhuanpadar, Murlijore, and Revatiguda projects are expected to create new opportunities in fisheries and related activities, which will be helpful in increasing rural income.

These projects are part of the state government's intensive in-stream storage structure program that began in the year 2024. The main purpose of this program is water conservation, sustainable management of resources, and adaptation to climate-related challenges. Overall, these five projects are designed to improve water supply during the dry season by saving monsoon water, support the river ecosystem, and ensure long-term water security in the five districts.

Odisha is an eastern state of India known for its rich river systems and agriculture-based economy. Various infrastructural projects have been undertaken by the state government in the past as well to manage water resources and increase irrigation capacity, with the aim of bringing economic prosperity to rural areas.