Odisha has expanded irrigation facilities to around 3.2 lakh hectares of farmland over the past two years, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Wednesday. He said the state has also sanctioned water infrastructure projects worth ₹54,000 crore during the same period. Majhi highlighted the progress at a departmental summit organised by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in New Delhi. He said water security and irrigation have been given high priority because agriculture remains an important part of Odisha’s economy. The state has also reported progress in water conservation, groundwater management and irrigation infrastructure.How Odisha Expanded IrrigationThe latest figures show a major focus on expanding access to irrigation and improving water infrastructure across Odisha. Majhi said several projects have already been completed, while many others are under construction or planned for the coming year. The measures include dams, check dams, lift irrigation systems, borewells and groundwater recharge structures. Together, these initiatives are intended to improve water availability for agriculture and strengthen rural water security.Irrigation facilities were extended to 3.2 lakh hectares.Water infrastructure works worth ₹54,000 crore were sanctioned.770 new check dams and nine in-stream storage structures were completed.1,312 existing check dams were renovated.Six mega lift irrigation and 32 minor irrigation projects were completed.Odisha’s Water Push ContinuesMajhi said Odisha has completed one dam, one barrage and two underground pipeline distribution networks along with the irrigation projects. The state has also established 3,224 community lift irrigation projects, 20,228 deep borewells and 8,917 solar-powered deep borewells. These facilities are aimed at improving irrigation access, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.Water conservation is another part of the state’s strategy. More than 20,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting projects have reportedly been completed under the Chhata scheme, while 1,200 recharge shafts have been built through the Arua scheme. The government is also strengthening more than 40,000 Pani Panchayats to encourage participation and transparency in irrigation management.Also Read: Odisha Weather: Extremely Heavy Rainfall Likely At Isolated Places TodayMore Irrigation Projects PlannedThe state’s water infrastructure programme is continuing with several projects at different stages. Majhi said 14 additional in-stream storage structures and six medium irrigation projects are planned for the next year. Work is also underway on five major and medium irrigation projects, 58 mega lift irrigation projects and five minor irrigation projects.The Chief Minister also highlighted the completion of the long-pending Kanupur irrigation project. The dam was completed on August 31 after issues linked to relocation of a local shrine and coordination with the National Highways Authority of India were addressed. Its canal network is expected to be completed within a year and is projected to provide irrigation to 25,000 hectares.Key HighlightsOdisha added irrigation facilities covering 3.2 lakh hectares in two years.₹54,000 crore worth of water infrastructure projects were sanctioned.770 new check dams and nine in-stream storage structures were completed.More than 3,200 community lift irrigation projects were established.Over 20,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting projects were completed.Kanupur dam was completed after remaining issues were resolved.Odisha Targets Stronger Water SecurityOdisha’s latest irrigation figures underline the government’s focus on water security, agricultural support and groundwater conservation. The completion of major projects and expansion of local irrigation systems could improve water access for farmers across different parts of the state. At the same time, several new projects remain under construction or are planned, meaning the state’s irrigation expansion programme is continuing. Majhi also said Odisha had been recognised as the best-performing state in the fifth National Water Awards for its water-management initiatives.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only and is based on publicly available statements and reports. Project figures and government claims are presented as reported.
