Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has completed 10 In-Stream Storage Structure (ISS) projects under its ISS 2.0 initiative, creating a combined designed storage capacity of approximately 1.10 crore cubic metres (11 billion litres).
The completed structures are expected to benefit around 1.82 lakh people across more than 122 villages, strengthening water availability for agriculture and other livelihood activities.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state government is accelerating the implementation of the ISS scheme through a mission-mode approach to improve water conservation and ensure long-term water security. The Department of Water Resources has taken up 89 projects in four phases under the initiative.
The 10 completed projects are located at Julko in Kalahandi, Chhatamakhana in Balangir, Jakamarapalli, Dholapita and Dhanei in Ganjam, Mahulpali in Bargarh, Saptamatruka in Jajpur, and Gochara, Kirasasan and Budharaja in Sambalpur.
Meanwhile, construction is underway on 22 projects across 13 districts. Sundargarh accounts for five projects, while Khordha has three. Work is also progressing in other districts.
In addition, 35 projects are in the pipeline, of which 12 are expected to commence shortly.
The ISS initiative seeks to conserve monsoon river flows through scientifically designed in-stream storage structures, making water available during lean periods. The stored water is expected to support irrigation, groundwater recharge, drinking-water supply, fisheries and other livelihood activities.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the resilience of rural communities against water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall.
With projects at different stages of completion and implementation, ISS 2.0 aims to expand Odisha’s water-conservation infrastructure and strengthen long-term water security across the state.
