Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Water Resources Department held a high-level review meeting on Thursday to assess ongoing infrastructure projects and budget utilisation. The meeting was chaired by Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma at the department’s conference hall.
Officials discussed the pace of development work across the water resources sector. They stressed the need for time-bound implementation of projects and effective use of allocated funds.
Senior officers were directed to expedite the execution of major irrigation, drainage, dam, barrage, and canal projects. This includes works currently under execution, those where tendering has been completed, and proposed projects. Officials were asked to monitor capital expenditure regularly.
The department called for early finalisation of pending tenders and quick issuance of work orders. It also sought faster clearance of pending approvals and Expenditure Finance Committee proposals. Officials were told to prepare realistic cost estimates and ensure budget spending is completed within the financial year.
The meeting noted that departmental spending should not be judged only by financial targets. Officials said expenditure must translate into real outcomes on the ground.
Priority was given to completing ongoing projects on time, expanding irrigation potential, and strengthening water infrastructure across the state. Officials were asked to ensure that project benefits actually reach citizens.
A presentation was made on the PM Gati Shakti portal during the meeting. Discussions also covered ways to strengthen water tax collection and improve the BAMSIS portal. Officials were instructed to make better use of the Gati Shakti platform, boost water tax collection, and enhance monitoring of departmental work through the portal.
The meeting also touched on Odisha’s nomination for the National Water Award.
Engineer-in-Chief Dilip Kumar Rout, Director of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Ashok Kumar Behera, senior officers, chief engineers, and other staff attended the meeting.
