Overview
- The Odisha government granted administrative approval on Friday for five in-stream storage projects worth Rs 625.47 crore to strengthen water security and climate resilience.
- The works are Dhuanpadar (Vansadhara) and Revatiguda (Nagavali) in Rayagada, Bhimpur (Bahuda) in Ganjam, Muralijore near Nijharidara in Kalahandi, and the Kutasingha Barrage on the Ong serving Bolangir and Sonepur districts.
- Officials estimate the projects will improve water availability and groundwater recharge for about 72,000 people across 74 villages, and will support domestic supply, irrigation, livestock and fisheries in the target areas.
- Three sites (Dhuanpadar, Muralijore and Revatiguda) are expected to create fisheries and allied opportunities that can add to rural incomes, while the structures are intended to store monsoon runoff for use in lean months.
- The approvals build on a mission-mode in-stream storage programme strengthened since 2024 but the coverage does not yet include construction schedules, funding disbursement timelines or environmental and community consultation details.