Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Sept 5: The Odisha government plans to build 1,280 check dams across streams and small rivers throughout the state between 2022 and 2025, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the Assembly on Thursday. This announcement came in response to a question from BJP MLA Sidhant Mohapatra.
Minister Mahaling stated that construction work on 585 of these check dams is expected to be completed by 2025. The primary goal of these check dams is to provide reliable irrigation facilities to areas currently relying on temporary bandhas for irrigation, as well as to enhance the irrigation potential in water-scarce regions.
In addition, the check dams are intended to offer drinking water to villages during the post-monsoon period and to aid in groundwater recharge.
Regarding the status of the TSC proposal and tender process for the Kochila and Baitarani rivers, BJD MLA and opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik’s query was addressed by the Minister, who confirmed that appropriate measures are being taken to implement the approved projects.
In response to a question from Congress MLA Sofia Firdous about constructing a barrage on the Kathajodi River, Minister Mahaling indicated that the proposal is open for discussion and further examination.
