The Odisha government has stepped up preparatory work for Instream Storage Structures (ISS) projects as part of its efforts to strengthen water conservation and enhance water availability across the state, according to an official statement. Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of preparatory work for ISS projects approved in four phases. Senior officials of the department attended the meeting.
The review focused on the status of the Kanspal, Kadodara, Sungarah, Bharatpur and Phulbari ISS projects, with officials informing that most of the groundwork required before laying the foundation stones has reached its final stage. Sharma directed officials to expedite the remaining formalities and ensure that the foundation stones for the projects are laid at the earliest.
The department has set a target of laying foundation stones for more than 30 instream storage structures by the end of 2026 to boost the state’s water storage capacity and improve water availability for irrigation, drinking water and other uses, the statement added.
