In a significant step towards strengthening the state’s water resources management, the Government of Odisha has approved ₹20 crore for the upgradation and strengthening of the Water and Land Management Institute (WALMI), Odisha, as a Centre of Excellence (CoE).
The initiative will be implemented during the financial years 2026–27 and 2027–28, with a focus on modernising institutional infrastructure, enhancing technical expertise and promoting scientific approaches to sustainable water management.
Over the past four decades, WALMI has played an important role in promoting technical knowledge, professional training and capacity-building in the water management sector. Under the proposed upgradation, the institute will be equipped with smart digital classrooms, modern training facilities, improved residential accommodation, refurbished hostels, an auditorium and conference facilities. These improvements will create a conducive environment for advanced training, research and knowledge exchange.
A major focus of the initiative will be the professional development of engineers in the Department of Water Resources, which has a sanctioned strength of 5,235 engineering positions. Structured induction programmes for newly recruited engineers and specialised training modules will be introduced in areas such as modern irrigation technologies, flood management, water-use efficiency and climate resilience. The institute will also strengthen its research and knowledge-sharing capabilities through collaborations with premier institutions, including IISc Bengaluru, IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, NIOT Chennai and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The initiative will also extend capacity-building support to more than 41,000 Pani Panchayats across Odisha. Training will focus on participatory irrigation management, water budgeting and equitable distribution of water resources. This will strengthen grassroots institutions, promote efficient utilisation of water and empower farming communities to participate more effectively in local water management.
