Bhubaneswar, 09 November (H.S.): The Odisha Government has accelerated the implementation of its In-Stream Storage Structure (ISS) Scheme under ISS 2.0 to strengthen water conservation and ensure long-term water security across the state.

The Department of Water Resources has taken up 89 projects in four phases. Of these, 10 have been completed, creating a combined storage capacity of around 1.10 crore cubic metres (11 billion litres). The completed projects are expected to benefit nearly 1.82 lakh people across more than 122 villages.

The completed structures are located at Julko in Kalahandi, Chhatamakhana in Balangir, Jakamarapalli, Dholapita and Dhanei in Ganjam, Mahulpali in Bargarh, Saptamatruka in Jajpur, and Gochara, Kirasasan and Budharaja in Sambalpur.

Meanwhile, 22 projects are under construction across 13 districts, including five in Sundargarh and three in Khordha. Another 35 projects are in the pipeline, of which 12 are expected to begin shortly.

The initiative aims to conserve monsoon river flows through scientifically designed storage structures and ensure water availability during lean periods. The stored water will support irrigation, groundwater recharge, drinking water supply, fisheries and other livelihood activities.

The scheme is expected to strengthen rural communities' resilience to water scarcity and erratic rainfall while promoting sustainable water resource management across Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda