Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: In a proactive step towards addressing the growing impacts of climate change on water resources, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the ambitious “Intra-State River Linking Scheme in Odisha” with an estimated outlay of ₹1,790 crore.

The scheme will be implemented over a period of five years, from 2025–26 to 2029–30, marking a significant stride in ensuring sustainable water management across the state.

Climate change has emerged as a pressing global issue, creating heightened uncertainty in the timing, duration, and intensity of monsoon rains. This unpredictability has led to serious challenges in managing water availability for agriculture, domestic use, and ecological balance. Recognizing these concerns, the State Government has initiated the Intra-State River Linking Scheme to enhance water security and resilience against both droughts and floods.

Scheme objectives

The scheme seeks to optimize intra-state water distribution by linking water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions. This integrated approach aims to:

• Improve drought resilience and ensure equitable access to water resources,
• Create additional water storage to support irrigation and domestic needs,
• Mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas, and
• Enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods through better water availability.

Major projects under the scheme

The scheme will be implemented through six major river-linking projects, strategically planned across different regions of Odisha:

1. Katra Link Project – Feeder Channel from Kansapal Irrigation Sub-System (ISS)
2. Vansadhara–Rushikulya (Nandini Nullah) Intra-Link Project
3. Hiradharbati Flood Flow Channel Project
4. Bahuda–Tampara Link Project
5. Ong–Suktel Garland Canal Project
6. Telengiri–Upper Kolab Pumped Storage Project (PSP)

Tags: prameyanews