On the occasion of World Water Day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the critical role of collective efforts in water conservation and management during a grand ceremony organized by the State Water Resources Department at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainable water use, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects aimed at bolstering irrigation and resolving inter-state water disputes.
In a significant move, CM Majhi laid the foundation stone for 18 mega lift irrigation projects worth ₹1,227 crore, which will irrigate an additional 27,337 hectares of farmland across Angul, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, and Mayurbhanj districts. He also dedicated 100 check dams costing ₹80 crore, spanning 20 districts, and four minor irrigation projects with underground pipeline networks valued at ₹61.53 crore in Keonjhar, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Mayurbhanj districts. These initiatives align with the state’s goal to irrigate an additional 15 lakh hectares of land over the next five years by 2029.
Addressing the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister expressed optimism about a mutual resolution. “With triple-engine governments at the Centre, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, we are confident of settling this issue amicably,” he said, referencing a recent meeting with the Chhattisgarh CM at Lok Seva Bhawan. He underscored the urgency of tackling water-related conflicts, given the global decline in freshwater availability due to climate change.
Read More: Odisha and Chhattisgarh CMs Engage in Dialogue To Resolve Mahanadi Water Dispute
CM Majhi also announced that Odisha will soon unveil a new water policy to ensure sustainable water management. “Water is life, and its conservation is non-negotiable,” he stated, citing data from the World Meteorological Organization about diminishing soil moisture and glacier reserves over the past two decades. He called for individual and collective responsibility to prevent wastage and pollution, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of providing clean water and sanitation to all by 2030.
The state has allocated ₹14,841.72 crore in this year’s budget for water resource management, reflecting its holistic approach. Ongoing efforts include restoring silted and polluted rivers, constructing 16,704 check dams, and conserving 24.65 billion cubic meters of water through various irrigation projects. The CM also launched the “Go-Water” ERP app and unveiled an informational booklet to enhance water resource monitoring.
Quoting PM Narendra Modi’s 2021 World Water Day address, Majhi reiterated that rapid development hinges on water security. The event concluded with a call to action for citizens to optimize water use in households, agriculture, and industries, ensuring a water-secure future for Odisha.
