Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation Sets Ambitious Target to Cover 9 Lakh Hectares in Five Years

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) has laid out an ambitious plan to bring irrigation facilities to nine lakh hectares of farmland across the state over the next five years. The announcement was made by OLIC Managing Director Swadha Dev Singh during a monthly review meeting with Executive Engineers from all districts.

The initiative aligns with the State Government’s long-term water management strategy, formulated by the Water Resources Department, to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable water access for farmers.

During the meeting, Singh reviewed the progress of various ongoing irrigation schemes and emphasized the need to accelerate project implementation. She instructed officials to speed up the completion of existing schemes, fast-track recruitments, and ensure that all tender processes are concluded without delay.

Highlighting administrative priorities, Singh also directed officials to settle all pending dues of retired employees promptly. “We must not only focus on infrastructure but also on the well-being of our employees and retirees,” she stated.

Addressing workforce-related matters, she discussed ongoing negotiations with the RPF Commission regarding higher pension provisions for employees, signaling the corporation’s commitment to employee welfare.

The meeting was attended by OLIC Executive Director Bichitra Kumar Samal along with other senior officials, who pledged full cooperation in meeting the five-year irrigation expansion target.