Bhubaneswar: The state government has decided to construct 13 barrages on different rivers across Odisha and in-stream storage structure (ISS) for preservation of water.
Following a meeting held in this regard among the officials of IDCO, IPICOL and the Water Resources Department (WRD) through video conferencing on Friday, WRD Chief Engineer Jyotirmaya Rath told the media persons that more than Rs 1000 crore would be spent in construction of the barrages this fiscal year. A high-level committee including officials of Nabard has approved the fund, he added.
The decision was taken to minimise the gap in availability of water between monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. “We have laid out plans for in-stream storage of river water for next six years including construction of some barrage structures,” said Rath.
Stating that the move will ensure uninterrupted water supply for industries, he said it will also eradicate the rehabilitation problem as there will not be any evacuation of people due to flooding. The water from the barrages could be used in agriculture, irrigation and for potable water supply also, he added.
