Odisha Aims to Boost Irrigation with 80 New Minor Projects and 3,000 Check Dams in Next 5 Years

Bhubaneswar: In a concerted push to strengthen the irrigation infrastructure and ensure efficient water management across the state, the Odisha government has outlined a roadmap to construct 80 new Minor Irrigation Projects (MIPs) and 3,000 Check Dams over the next five years.

Presiding over a high-level review meeting held at the Department of Water Resources on Friday, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, IAS, emphasized the need to enhance the state’s irrigation potential through expansion of MIPs and Check Dams, especially in areas with untapped agricultural potential.

The meeting focused on accelerating Odisha’s irrigation initiatives in line with the commitment made by Chief Minister during his budget speech to create irrigation potential for 15 lakh hectares over five years. The discussions centered on how Minor Irrigation can play a pivotal role in achieving this target.

Garg highlighted that while Odisha has made substantial strides through Large, Medium, Small, Lift, and Mega Lift Irrigation systems, Minor Irrigation Projects have proven to be critical for last-mile coverage, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers. She stressed the importance of reaching tail-end farmers by ensuring equitable water distribution across all canals and irrigation systems.

During the meeting, officials examined the site-specific feasibility for the upcoming projects. Key factors considered included availability of water sources, soil type, crop patterns, and the collective agricultural needs of local communities. The integration of minor irrigation with larger systems and use of advanced technology for water management were also key points of discussion.

The initiative is part of the state’s broader policy to prioritize water conservation and management, with a vision to transform irrigation access and resilience in the face of climate variability.

Senior engineers and officials from the Department of Water Resources participated in the deliberations, contributing strategic insights into planning, technical viability, and execution timelines.

The proposed infrastructure, once implemented, is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, ensure sustainable water use, and empower farmers across Odisha’s rural heartlands.