Odisha approves five river storage projects worth Rs 625 crore
The infrastructure works across five districts aim to benefit 72,000 people and support rural livelihoods.
The Odisha government has granted administrative approval for five in-stream storage structure (ISS) projects valued at Rs 625.47 crore, according to reports by India Today and Pragativadi. The projects are located in the Rayagada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Balangir, and Sonepur districts.
The initiatives are expected to provide water to nearly 72,000 people in 74 villages. These structures are designed to retain monsoon water within river channels to ensure availability during lean seasons and assist in recharging groundwater levels.
In Rayagada district, the Dhuanpadar structure will be built on the Vansadhara river, while the Revatiguda structure will be on the Nagavali river. The Bhimpur structure is set for the Bahuda river in Ganjam, and the Muralijore structure will be near Nijharidara village in Kalahandi.
The Kutasingha barrage will be constructed across the Ong river, a tributary of the Mahanadi, to serve Balangir and Sonepur. A senior water resources department official told Press Trust of India that the structures will improve the sustainability of wells and borewells.
Beyond domestic use, the projects will support irrigation and livestock rearing. The Dhuanpadar, Muralijore, and Revatiguda sites are also expected to create opportunities in fisheries to help increase rural incomes.
These projects are part of a state programme intensified since 2024 to focus on water conservation and climate adaptation.