Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of Water Sector Infrastructure Development Programme (WSIDP) Scheme with an estimated cost of Rs 9652.24 crore for a period of five years.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, put its stamp of approval on the proposal of the Water Resources Department to extend the scheme from 2024-25 to 2028-29, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told reporters after the meeting.
Under the scheme, an additional ayacut of 158318.18 hectares will be created and 6435 ha stabilised which will accelerate the pace of irrigation development in the state and enhance economic growth in the command area by smooth execution and timely completion of the ongoing last mile projects with adequate provision of fund.
It will also help in controlling flood and drought situation in respective river basins and provide water to the farmers in a phased manner.
Notably, a total no of eight agenda items, including one related to summoning of second session of the 17th Assembly, were discussed in the Cabinet meeting and all have been approved.