Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved five Instream Storage Structure (ISS) projects worth Rs 625.47 crore within a month, marking a significant push towards strengthening water security, groundwater recharge and climate resilience across the State.
The projects, spread across Rayagada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Balangir and Sonepur districts, are expected to benefit nearly 72,000 people in 74 villages by improving water availability, supporting irrigation and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The five approved projects include Dhuanpadar ISS on the Vansadhara River and Revatiguda ISS on the Nagavali River in Rayagada district; Bhimpur ISS on the Bahuda River in Ganjam district; Muralijore ISS near Nijharidara village in Bhawanipatna block of Kalahandi district; and Kutasingha Barrage across the Ong River, a major tributary of the Mahanadi, benefiting communities in Balangir and Sonepur districts.
The proposed structures will help conserve monsoon water within river channels and improve its availability during the lean season. The stored water is also expected to facilitate groundwater recharge, improve the sustainability of wells and borewells, and strengthen the resilience of communities facing water stress.
Beyond meeting domestic water requirements, the projects will support irrigation, livestock rearing and other rural livelihood activities. Dhuanpadar, Muralijore and Revatiguda projects are also expected to generate additional opportunities in fisheries and allied activities, creating scope for increased rural incomes.
The projects are part of the State Government’s strengthened mission-mode approach to the Instream Storage Structure programme since 2024, with emphasis on water conservation, sustainable resource management and climate adaptation.
By improving water availability and supporting river ecosystems, the initiative is expected to contribute to long-term water security and ecological resilience across the project areas.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the government continues to prioritise water conservation and the development of sustainable water infrastructure. The approval of these five projects marks another step towards securing dependable water resources, strengthening rural livelihoods and advancing the vision of Viksit Odisha.
