In a crucial step toward enhancing water security and agricultural growth in Keonjhar district, Smt. Anu Garg, IAS, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Department of Water Resources, visited the Kanupur Irrigation Project on May 4.
During her two-day assessment tour, she reviewed ongoing works at the dam, spillway, gate installation, and canal systems to evaluate the project’s progress.
The Kanupur Irrigation Project, which has been under development for two decades, is poised to become the first major irrigation initiative in Odisha’s Baitarani river system. It will address flood management and water scarcity in the mineral-rich district. Once completed, the project is expected to irrigate approximately 30,000 hectares of farmland, benefitting thousands of farmers and providing essential drinking water to communities.
During the site inspection, the ACS chaired a high-level meeting attended by the Keonjhar District Magistrate, Collector, Engineer-in-Chief of Water Resources, and other senior officials from multiple departments, including Major & Medium Irrigation, Minor Irrigation, and Ground Water sectors. Discussions focused on the timely completion of the Kanupur Spillway by July 2025, along with plans to provide Kharif irrigation for 13,000 hectares in the upcoming season.
Recognising the water-scarce conditions in the Baitarani Basin, Smt. Garg urged officials to explore innovative solutions, including interlinking minor irrigation projects for improved water transfer. Additionally, she advocated for enhanced storage infrastructure, such as channelling surplus water to ponds and tanks outsidethe traditional irrigation department jurisdiction.
With Odisha aiming for comprehensive water resource management under Vision Odisha 2036, the visit highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening irrigation facilities and ensuring long-term sustainability in the state’s agricultural sector.
