Odisha Intensifies Post-Cyclone Recovery Efforts with Canal and Riverbank Restoration in Ganjam
Brahmapur: The Odisha government has significantly accelerated post-cyclone restoration activities in Ganjam district, focusing on repairing damaged irrigation infrastructure, strengthening riverbanks, and restoring water supply systems to support farmers and local communities.
According to the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), several key irrigation projects and flood protection structures have been restored, marking a major step toward recovery and resilience.
The restoration drive has brought the Right and Left Main Canals of the Ghodahada Irrigation Project back into operation following extensive repairs.
Water supply has also resumed through the Daha and Jayamangal irrigation systems, ensuring continued support for agricultural activities during the Kharif season.
Additionally, irrigation services have been restored across multiple canal networks linked to Madhabarida, Girisola, Mahanadi, and Sorishamuli Barrage projects.
These efforts are expected to benefit thousands of farmers who rely on these water sources for cultivation.
To mitigate future flood risks, authorities have undertaken repair and strengthening works at several critical locations, including the Jayamangal Inundation Nalla, Ghodahada River Flood Bank, Rushikulya River Flood Bank, Mathura Minor, and the approach road to the Boggi Nalla Check Dam.
Officials reported substantial progress in the RBVN Basin under the Brahmapur region, with 71 breach points repaired and restoration work continuing at dozens of vulnerable locations.
More than 3,882 metres of damaged infrastructure have already been restored, reflecting the scale of the government’s recovery initiative.
Ongoing work is also underway at Janivili Anicut and vulnerable drainage channels such as Padmatola Nalla, Tipisira Nalla, Khama Nalla, and Badua Nalla.
Special attention is being given to Padmatola Nalla because of its strategic connection to the Bahuda River and its history of causing disruptions on National Highway-16 during periods of heavy flooding.
The state government is coordinating with neighbouring states and local authorities to improve drainage management and strengthen flood resilience measures, aiming to minimise the impact of future cyclones and extreme weather events.
The restoration programme underscores Odisha’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure, protecting agricultural livelihoods, and enhancing disaster preparedness in one of the state’s most cyclone-prone regions.
