30 In-Stream Storage Structures Under Construction For Conservation Of Surface Water In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken up construction of 30 in-stream storage structures on different rivers across the state for conservation of surface water.

This was stated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik while welcoming 106 Junior Engineers (Mechanical) who joined the Water Resources Department on Tuesday. All of them have been recruited through State Staff Selection Commission.

Addressing the new engineers in virtual mode, the chief minister advised them to be updated with new technologies. “I expect you to be in acquainted with new technologies that can bring efficiency and transparency to your work. That will help achieve the mandate of 5T initiative of the government,” he said.

Since Odisha economy is basically agriculture-based, he said the Water Resources Department plays a major role in providing irrigation facilities to the farmers. For the purpose, the department has taken up construction of 30 in-stream storage structures while 16 more are in the pipeline. These structures will not only help conserve surface water for different purposes including rural water supply, but also enhance the ground water level, he added.

“We have more than 2,500 dams and construction of some more dams like Lower Suktel, Deo, Kanpur and Ghatkeswar are in progress,’ he said adding that the department has also the responsibility of protecting the life and property of people from natural calamities like floods with scientific management of reservoir water.

Stressing the role of mechanical engineers, Naveen said they carry out making designs and installation of of the hydraulic structures such as gates and their operation and maintenance.

Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, chief secretary Suresh Mohapatra, secretary to chief minister (5T) VK Pandian and ACS Water Resources Anu Garg also spoke on the occasion.