Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 (PTI) The Odisha government has accorded administrative approval to five in-stream storage structure (ISS) projects worth Rs 625.47 crore in four major rivers to strengthen water security and climate resilience, officials said on Friday.
The projects in Rayagada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Bolangir and Sonepur districts are expected to benefit nearly 72,000 people across 74 villages through improved water availability, groundwater recharge and support for rural livelihoods, an official statement said.
The five approved projects are 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 Bolangir and Sonepur districts, it said.
"These structures will help conserve monsoon water within river channels, ensuring greater availability of water during the lean season. The stored water will also facilitate groundwater recharge, improve the sustainability of wells and borewells and strengthen the resilience of water-stressed communities," a senior official of the water resources department said.
Besides 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 create additional opportunities for fisheries and allied activities, contributing to rural incomes.
The projects form part of the state government's strengthened mission-mode approach to the in-stream storage structure programme since 2024, with a focus on water conservation, sustainable resource management and climate adaptation. By improving water availability and supporting river ecosystems, the initiatives are expected to contribute to long-term water security and ecological resilience.
