Odisha's ₹1,790 Cr Water Grid: A New Era for State Agriculture

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has approved the Intra-State River Linking Scheme with a total investment of ₹1,790 crore, to be implemented over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30).

The initiative aims to tackle climate change impacts and address recurring water shortages by linking water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions across the state. The scheme includes six key projects:

Katra Link Project

Vansadhara–Rushikulya Intra-Link Project, Hiradharbati Flood Flow Channel Project, Bahuda–Tampara Link Project

Ong–Suktel Garland Canal Project, Telengiri–Upper Kolab Project

These projects are expected to boost drought resilience, improve flood management, enhance water storage capacity, and increase agricultural productivity.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the extension of the ‘Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana’ for another five years, with a budget of ₹1,437 crore. This program focuses on reviving lost ayacut and enhancing irrigation potential across 1.28 lakh hectares, further strengthening Odisha’s water and agriculture infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.