In a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s irrigation infrastructure, a high-level review meeting on the overall progress of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted Rengali Irrigation Project – Phase II was held today under the chairmanship of Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department.
The meeting conducted a detailed assessment of the project’s physical and financial progress, ongoing civil works, creation of irrigation potential, land acquisition status, forest clearances, and construction of major infrastructure components. Officials also deliberated on the advancement of various ongoing work packages and the concrete steps being taken for the smooth implementation of the G-III package.
Key participants included Ashok Kumar Behera, Director, Rehabilitation & Resettlement; Eng. Bighnaraj Purohit, Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary; and, joining virtually, Eng. Bigyan Prasad Sahu, Chief Engineer of the JICA project. Senior engineers, project management team members, and other concerned officials from the department were also present.
During the discussions, relevant officers presented the latest status of different work packages, land acquisition processes, forest approval procedures, and command area development activities. The review emphasised the need for accelerated execution to ensure timely benefits reach farmers through expanded irrigation coverage.
The Rengali Irrigation Project Phase-II remains a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and water security in the region with continued technical and financial support from JICA. Officials expressed commitment to resolving remaining bottlenecks and maintaining steady momentum in the coming months.
