The Odisha Cabinet has approved the construction of the Khairibandhan Barrage over the Khairibandhan River in Anlabeni village, Jashipur block, Mayurbhanj district.
The project aims to enhance irrigation, drinking water supply, and livelihood opportunities for thousands of residents.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the decision, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and rural communities. The ₹977.77 crore tender for the project has been approved, with a completion target of 30 months.
The barrage will provide Kharif irrigation facilities for 6,950 hectares of farmland across 47 villages in Jashipur, Raruan, and Sukruli blocks through an underground pipeline water distribution system (UGPWL). Additionally, more than 35,000 people will benefit from improved drinking water availability, along with support for livestock farming and fisheries.
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Apart from boosting local agriculture, the project is expected to contribute to the increase in groundwater levels and stable food production, positively impacting the economic and social development of the region.
The decision reflects the Odisha government’s focus on enhancing water resources and empowering tribal communities in the state’s drought-prone areas.
Also, the Odisha government has amended the Physical Fitness Recruitment Exam Rules, 2022 to streamline recruitment for various posts requiring physical efficiency tests. The amendment includes the integration of Traffic Sub-Inspector and Excise Sub-Inspector positions into the Combined Recruitment Examination framework. Additionally, the Senior Store Inspector post under Fire Services, Home Guards, and Civil Defense has been incorporated into the revised regulations. This change allows the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) to conduct unified recruitment exams for these positions.
In another development, the Odisha ITI Trainer Recruitment Rules, 2024 have been revised to enhance promotion opportunities for Assistant Training Officers (ATOs). The amendment enables direct recruitment for Principal and Vice-Principal positions through the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). Furthermore, engineering degrees are now a minimum qualification for promotion from Level-12 to Level-13.
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