Odisha Accelerates ISS 2.0 Programme to Strengthen State Water Security
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified the implementation of the In-Stream Storage Structure (ISS) 2.0 Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at improving water security, enhancing groundwater recharge, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth across the state.
The programme includes 89 projects planned in four phases to capture monsoon runoff and ensure year-round water availability.
As part of the initiative, 10 in-stream storage structures have already been completed, creating a combined storage capacity of approximately 1.10 crore cubic metres of water.
These projects are expected to benefit around 1.82 lakh people across more than 122 villages by improving access to irrigation and drinking water.
The completed structures are located in districts including Kalahandi, Balangir, Ganjam, Bargarh, Jajpur, and Sambalpur. Meanwhile, construction is currently underway on 22 projects spanning 13 districts, with Sundargarh and Khordha among the districts witnessing significant activity.
Additionally, 35 more projects are in the planning pipeline, and 12 of them are expected to commence construction shortly.
Designed to store excess monsoon water without causing extensive land submergence, the ISS structures contribute to multiple development goals, including irrigation support, groundwater replenishment, drinking water supply, fisheries development, and rural livelihood enhancement.
Officials view the ISS 2.0 Programme as a critical step toward building climate resilience and addressing recurring challenges such as drought, water scarcity, and erratic rainfall patterns.
By expanding water storage infrastructure across rural Odisha, the initiative aims to secure water resources for communities while boosting agricultural productivity and economic opportunities.
