Bhubaneswar, May 30: The first meeting of the High Power Committee (HPC) on the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the financial year 2025–26 was convened on Thursday at Lok Seva Bhawan. The meeting was chaired by Anu Garg Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Odisha.
During the meeting, Garg reviewed the progress of RIDF-supported projects being implemented by various departments in collaboration with NABARD and the State Government. She provided valuable inputs and urged all executing agencies to expedite the completion of ongoing projects within the stipulated timelines.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, Saswata Mishra, senior officials from multiple departments, and the Chief General Manager of NABARD along with his team.
Odisha emerged as the top-performing state in the country in RIDF project execution during FY 2024–25. NABARD disbursed a concessional loan of ₹3,836.34 crore to Odisha during the year for rural infrastructure development.
Among the significant accomplishments:
In-Stream Storage Structure in Ganjam: A major project under the Water Resources Department was completed at Jakameripalli in the Ramanadi River, Ganjam district. Built at a cost of ₹34.90 crore, the structure is expected to provide drinking water to 16,500 residents across 11 villages in Digapahandi Block.
Bridge Construction in Angul: A High-Level (HL) bridge over Haripur Nallan in Angul district, constructed by the Works Department, has been completed at a cost of ₹39.89 crore. The bridge spans 511 meters.
Road Project in Malkangiri: The Rural Development (Roads) Department completed a 6.8 km road from NH-326 to Peta Road via Koikanda in Malkangiri district, at a cost of ₹5.96 crore.
Mega Pipe Water Supply Project in Sambalpur: The Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department commissioned a ₹113.98 crore pipe water supply project in Rairakhol Block, Sambalpur district. The initiative will benefit around 8,500 people across nine gram panchayats.
Micro River Lift Projects: The Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department executed several individual-beneficiary-based Micro River Lift projects under Jalanidhi-II.
NABARD officials shared their field visit reports and praised the performance of the various executing departments.
The meeting also noted that the Government of India has approved a loan of ₹150.89 crore for 3,425 micro-irrigation projects under the Micro-Irrigation Fund (MIF). NABARD has been advised to sanction the loan at the earliest.
Additionally, discussions were held on nine project proposals under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
