In a significant step towards strengthening flood control measures, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and expediting project execution across Odisha, the Water Resources Department conducted two crucial Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings today.
The 158th Technical Advisory Committee Meeting of the State Flood Control Board was convened in hybrid mode under the chairmanship of Er. Dillip Kumar Rout, Engineer-in-Chief. The meeting highlighted the Department’s intensified focus on accelerating the appraisal and approval of vital flood protection projects. Demonstrating this momentum, seven Flood TAC meetings have already been conducted during the current financial year (2026–27).
During the 158th Flood TAC session, the committee reviewed a total of 38 proposals submitted by various Drainage Divisions across the state. These included 31 dedicated flood control works and 7 comprehensive drainage improvement projects, carrying an estimated total cost of ₹653.99 crore. Discussions centered on fortifying river embankments, protecting vulnerable and flood-prone communities, and overhauling rural and urban drainage infrastructure.
Parallelly, the 162nd Technical Advisory Committee Meeting on Irrigation Projects was also held in hybrid mode, chaired by Er. Dillip Kumar Rout. The Irrigation TAC granted approvals for 47 project proposals focusing on major in-stream storage structures and associated network infrastructure. These approved developments are slated to substantially enhance irrigation efficiency, upgrade existing water distribution networks, and promote equitable water resource utilization across agricultural zones.
Together, the decisions from both committee meetings underscore Odisha’s proactive strategy to build climate-resilient water management systems, safeguard communities from seasonal flooding, and provide secure irrigation to farmers state-wide.
