Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the foundation laying ceremony for 19 Instream Storage Structures across 13 districts of Odisha today. The ambitious initiative, which is set to receive an investment of Rs 4,006 crores from the government, aims to empower farmers and enhance water management in the state.
The virtual inauguration witnessed Chief Minister Patnaik laying the foundation stones in the presence of enthusiastic locals and farmers from the respective areas. The 19 projects are spread across Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Khurda, Puri, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Sundergarh districts.
More than 15,000 individuals, including 10,000 women farmers, attended the event in Kendrapara, demonstrating the significant impact the projects are expected to have on local communities.
Chief Minister Patnaik emphasized the multifaceted benefits of these projects, stating, “Our farmers will greatly benefit from this initiative, particularly in the areas of drinking water supply, fish farming, and animal husbandry. The projects will contribute to increasing the groundwater level and maintaining environmental balance.”
He further highlighted the importance of such projects for sustainable development, flood control, and the welfare of farmers. The Instream Storage initiative, launched in 2020 with an initial investment of Rs 11,700 crores, has progressed with plans for 72 projects in three phases.
The implementation of these programs is driven by public opinion and participation, with proposals received during the visits of the 5T chairman to different districts. Chief Minister Patnaik assured that no displacement of people will occur due to these projects, emphasizing the commitment to technology application and timely completion.
Addressing the welfare measures for farmers in the state, Chief Minister Patnaik asserted, “Our programs like Kalia Yojana, interest-free loan facilities, and crop insurance premium payments have boosted the confidence of farmers in the state. Our focus is on their development and environmental protection, contributing to the prosperity of both farmers and the state.”
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