In a high-level push towards sustainable water management, the State Water Resources Board of Odisha convened a pivotal meeting today, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
Held at the 2nd Floor Conference Hall of Lokseva Bhawan, the session brought together key stakeholders to accelerate progress on irrigation expansion, policy formulation, and technological integration, aligning with the state’s long-term Vision Documents for 2036 and 2047.
The gathering included prominent figures such as Anu Garg, IAS, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Water Resources; Dr. A.K. Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (A&FE); S.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary, Finance; and S.K. Vashisth, Principal Secretary, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development (F&ARD). Senior officers from departments including Water Resources (WR), Energy, Housing & Urban Development (H&UD), Industries, Steel & Mines, and Rural Development & Marketing (R&DM) also participated, underscoring a multi-sectoral approach to water governance.
Discussions centred on critical milestones: the ongoing formulation of the Draft State Water Policy, strategies to cover an additional 15 lakh hectares under irrigation by 2029, and efforts to bridge the gap between created and utilised irrigation potential. A key highlight was the adoption of advanced technology for real-time measurement of water usage in Lift Irrigation Projects (LIPs), presented by the Managing Director of Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC). This innovation promises enhanced efficiency and accountability in water distribution.
In a decisive move, the board resolved to integrate key committees under the Water Resources Department with the State Water Board, streamlining coordination and decision-making.
Chief Secretary Ahuja urged all water-using departments to unite in concerted efforts to fulfil the ambitious targets outlined in the Vision Documents. “Water is the lifeline of our development agenda,” he emphasised, calling for collaborative action to transform Odisha into a water-secure state.
Anu Garg, the DC-cum-ACS, elaborated on the draft policy’s broad contours, outlining clear pathways for achieving irrigation coverage goals and maximising the utilisation of existing potential. Her presentation highlighted data-driven interventions, including precision farming and watershed management, to ensure equitable water access across rural and urban landscapes.
The meeting signals Odisha’s renewed commitment to water security amid climate challenges, positioning the state as a leader in integrated resource planning. Officials anticipate the finalized State Water Policy to be a cornerstone for these initiatives, with implementation timelines to be rolled out in the coming months.
As Odisha eyes a greener future, today’s deliberations mark a crucial step towards self-reliance in agriculture and beyond.
