The Government of Odisha, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has accelerated the execution of its ambitious In-Stream Storage Structure (ISS) Programme under ISS 2.0.
Operating in a mission-mode framework, the Department of Water Resources has slated 89 projects across four phases to capture seasonal monsoon flows, safeguard groundwater resources, and guarantee water availability during lean dry periods.
To date, 10 in-stream storage structures have been fully completed, delivering a combined designed storage capacity of nearly 1.10 crore cubic metres (11 billion litres). These operational facilities are set to directly benefit approximately 1.82 lakh residents spread across more than 122 villages. Key completed sites include Julko in Kalahandi, Chhatamakhana in Balangir, Jakamarapalli, Dholapita, and Dhanei in Ganjam, Mahulpali in Baragada, Saptamatruka in Jajpur, along with Gochara, Kirasasan, and Budharaja in Sambalpur.
Construction is currently advancing across 13 districts, with 22 projects actively underway. Sundargarh leads the current construction drive with five projects, followed by Khordha with three, while development continues at a steady pace in several other districts. Furthermore, 35 additional projects remain in the active pipeline, 12 of which are scheduled to break ground shortly.
Scientifically designed to store surface run-off without necessitating extensive land submergence, the ISS infrastructure ensures robust multi-sectoral benefits. Beyond supplying vital irrigation to surrounding farmlands, the captured water will enhance local groundwater recharge, bolster drinking water supplies, support fisheries, and create sustainable rural livelihood opportunities. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, ISS 2.0 stands out as a critical infrastructural milestone in fortifying rural communities against seasonal droughts and long-term water scarcity across Odisha.
