BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Friday granted administrative approval for five major in-stream storage structure (ISS) projects worth Rs 625.47 crore. Spanning four major rivers across five districts, the initiative aims to strengthen water security, improve groundwater recharge, and build climate resilience in rural areas.
According to an official statement, the projects will directly benefit nearly 72,000 residents across 74 villages in Rayagada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Balangir, and Sonepur districts.
The Five Approved Projects:
- Rayagada District: Dhuanpadar ISS on the Vansadhara River and Revatiguda ISS on the Nagavali River.
- Ganjam District: Bhimpur ISS on the Bahuda River.
- Kalahandi District: Muralijore ISS near Nijharidara village in Bhawanipatna block.
- Balangir and Sonepur Districts: Kutasingha Barrage across the Ong River, a key tributary of the Mahanadi.
These structures are designed to trap and conserve monsoon water directly within river channels. This stored water will ensure steady availability during dry, lean seasons while naturally recharging surrounding groundwater tables to keep local wells and borewells sustainable.
Beyond meeting daily domestic water needs, the infrastructure will support local irrigation and livestock rearing. Additionally, the Dhuanpadar, Muralijore, and Revatiguda projects are projected to generate new rural income opportunities through fisheries and allied activities.
The approvals are part of the state government’s accelerated, mission-mode push for its in-stream storage structure programme—a flagship strategy strengthened since 2024 to promote sustainable resource management and long-term ecological resilience across Odisha.
