Bhubaneswar, Jan 31: The Odisha Cabinet on Saturday approved the Diversion Weir Improvement Scheme, earmarking ₹362 crore from state funds for its implementation over the next three financial years, from 2025–26 to 2027–28.

The scheme is aimed at restoring and upgrading ageing diversion weirs under the Minor Irrigation Organisation, many of which have exceeded their design life and experienced structural deterioration over several decades.

Diversion weirs play a crucial role in irrigation management by raising water levels across rivers and streams to facilitate gravity-based irrigation and water conveyance through Underground Pipe Gravity Lines (UPGL).

At present, Odisha has about 1,133 diversion weirs and two barrages, nearly 70 per cent of which are over 30 years old. Officials said the lack of a structured repair mechanism in the past has resulted in damage, diminished water retention capacity, and reduced irrigation efficiency.

To systematically address these challenges, the newly approved scheme will undertake extensive repair and upgradation works. These include restoration and reconstruction of main diversion weir and anicut structures in line with original designs, as well as strengthening of side embankments and afflux bunds to enhance structural stability and safety.

The scheme will also take additional allied works to improve operational efficiency and long-term maintenance. These include construction of 200–300 metre-long concrete lining from the head of the main canal to ensure regulated water flow, repair and reconnection of shutters in diversion weirs and barrages, desilting of ponding areas to increase storage capacity, and construction of approach roads to project sites to facilitate access, protection, and routine maintenance.