Odisha Govt Plans To Construct 1280 Check Dams: Minister Informs Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has planned to construct 1,280 check dams across the streams and small rivers throughout the state between 2022-25, the state Assembly was informed on Thursday.

This information was shared by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling while answering a question by BJP MLA Sidhant Mohapatra in the House. He said there is a proposal to construct 1280 check dams between 2022-25.

The Minister informed that construction work of 585 check dams will be completed by 2025.
The proposed check dams aim at providing assured irrigation facilities to the areas where farmers are using traditional irrigation by constructing temporary bandhas across the stream and augment the irrigation potential of water-stressed areas.

It will also provide drinking water facilities to the villages during the post-monsoon period, and replenish the groundwater level recharge, sources said.

To a question regarding status of TSC proposal and tender process on Kochila and Baitarani rivers by BJD MLA and opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, the Minister said that appropriate steps are being taken for the implementation of the approved projects.

To a query by Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, he said the question of construction of a barrage to retain water in Kathajodi river can be discussed and examined.