Bhubaneswar: Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable water management, the Government of Odisha has intensified efforts to implement its long-term Vision 2036/2047 under the Department of Water Resources. In a high-level review held today at Rajiv Bhawan, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a detailed assessment meeting to take stock of ongoing initiatives and future targets.
The review focused on scaling up irrigation infrastructure, enhancing water storage capacity, and improving efficiency in water usage across sectors. Key areas of discussion included the adoption of smart water management systems, integration of digital solutions, and strengthening of policy and governance frameworks to guide long-term water security.
As part of the department’s five-year roadmap, Odisha aims to create irrigation potential over 15 lakh hectares, with a specific target of 2.77 lakh hectares in 2025–26. This expansion is expected to benefit farmers by ensuring more reliable access to water and supporting agricultural productivity across the state.
During the meeting, Anu Garg directed senior officials and engineers to pursue timely approvals for pending schemes, fast-track priority projects, and ensure optimal budget utilisation. She emphasised the need for proactive coordination and execution to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the vision document.
