Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has accelerated the implementation of the In-Stream Storage Structure (ISS) Scheme (ISS 2.0) to strengthen water conservation and long-term water security in the state.
Officials said the Water Resources Department has taken up 89 projects in four phases to enhance water availability and support agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Of these, 10 In-Stream Storage Structures have been completed, creating a combined designed storage capacity of over 1.10 crore cubic metres (11 billion litres). These completed projects are expected to benefit around 1.82 lakh people across more than 122 villages.
The completed projects include Julko in Kalahandi, Chhatamakhana in Balangir, Jakamarapalli, Dholapita and Dhanei in Ganjam, Mahulpali in Bargada, Saptamatruka in Jajpur, and Gochara, Kirasasan and Budharaja in Sambalpur.
At present, 22 projects are under construction across 13 districts. Sundaragada accounts for five projects and Khordha for three, while works are also progressing in other districts. Additionally, 35 projects are in the pipeline, of which 12 are expected to commence shortly.
The ISS initiative aims to conserve monsoon river flows through scientifically designed in-stream storage structures and make water available during lean seasons.
The conserved water will support irrigation, groundwater recharge, drinking-water availability, fisheries and other livelihood activities. The initiative will also strengthen the resilience of rural communities against water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall.
With completed projects, ongoing construction and further expansion in the pipeline, ISS 2.0 is emerging as a significant intervention in Odisha’s efforts to develop sustainable water-conservation infrastructure and ensure long-term water security for communities across the state, officials added.
