Odisha initiates Rs 240 cr plan to increase water storage in 59 irrigation projects

Bhubaneswar, July 21 (UNI) With climate change causing increasing uncertainty in the timing and volume of monsoon rainfall, the Odisha government has recognised the urgency for efficient water resource management.

Accordingly the government has unveiled a plan to enhance water storage capacity in 12 medium and 47 small irrigation projects by utilising the difference between the full reservoir level and the current maximum water level.

Unveiling an ambitious initiative to improve water resource management across the state, the government has launched the “Gate Connection Scheme for Gateless Dams” at a total cost of Rs 239.60 crore, already approved by the state Cabinet.

Official sources said, the stored additional water will be used for stabilising existing irrigated areas, creating new irrigation potential, and meeting the rising demand for drinking water and industrial use.

The project aims to equip 12 gateless medium irrigation projects and 47 gated small irrigation projects with advanced technologies such as automatic hydraulic gates installed at the top of spillways.
These enhancements will not interfere with existing spillway functions or other critical components of the dams.

This initiative is expected to create an additional water storage capacity of approximately 124 million cubic meters (MCM).

As a result, irrigation across 19,097 hectares will be stabilised, and an extra 2,750 hectares of land will be brought under irrigation.

Officials noted that the project requires no land acquisition, resettlement, or rehabilitation, making implementation straightforward.

Experts added that by regulating water discharge for irrigation and other purposes, the scheme could also help in mitigating flood risks.

The Water Resources Department is currently conducting technical studies and preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Tenders are expected to be floated soon, official sources said.