Bhubaneswar, 20 August (H.S.) : A senior-level review meeting of the Odisha Water Resources Department was held under the chairpersonship of Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma to assess the implementation of ongoing projects and expenditure, with emphasis on accelerating development works, ensuring effective utilisation of budgetary allocations and completing projects within stipulated timelines.

The meeting, held at the conference hall of the Water Resources Department, reviewed capital expenditure and the implementation of major irrigation, drainage, dam, barrage and canal projects. Senior officials were directed to expedite projects at various stages, including those under implementation, projects where tendering has been completed and proposed works, while maintaining regular monitoring of expenditure.

The meeting stressed the need for early finalisation of tenders and issuance of work orders, expeditious disposal of pending approvals and EFC proposals, realistic assessment of expenditure and effective utilisation of budgetary provisions within the financial year.

Officials were emphasised that departmental expenditure should not remain confined to achieving financial targets but must be outcome-oriented. Priority should be given to timely completion of ongoing projects, creation of irrigation potential, strengthening of water resources infrastructure and ensuring that the intended benefits of projects reach the people.

The meeting also called for coordinated efforts to ensure the optimal and productive utilisation of available financial resources.

A presentation on the PM Gati Shakti portal was made during the meeting. Discussions were subsequently held on strengthening the water cess collection system .

Officials were directed to take necessary measures to ensure better monitoring and management of departmental activities through effective utilisation of the PM Gati Shakti platform, improvement in water cess collection and further enhancement of the BAMIS portal.

The meeting also discussed Odisha’s nomination for the National Water Awards.

Engineer-in-Chief Dilip Kumar Rout, Director of Rehabilitation and Resettlement Ashok Kumar Behera, senior departmental officials, Chief Engineers and other officials attended the meeting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda