Rengali Irrigation Project Pushes for Timely Completion and Community Empowerment
Bhubaneswar: The 7th Project Governing Committee meeting of the JICA-assisted Rengali Irrigation Project (Phase II) underscored Odisha’s commitment to strengthening water management and empowering farming communities.
Chaired by Principal Secretary Shubha Sarma, the meeting brought together senior officials, including Engineer-in-Chief Sagar Mohanty and JICA Chief Engineer Bigyan Prasad Sahoo.
Discussions centered on enhancing the role of Pani Panchayats to ensure equitable water distribution across 39,416 hectares, documenting best practices, and assessing socio-economic benefits such as improved agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
Officials acknowledged challenges in land acquisition that have slowed progress but emphasised the need for swift resolution to keep construction activities on track.
The project, backed by technical and financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is seen as a cornerstone for building resilient farming communities, strengthening food security, and driving economic growth in Odisha.
The meeting reaffirmed the government’s determination to complete the project within timelines, ensuring that its transformative impact reaches farmers across the region.
