Odisha govt reviews Kanpur dam project in Keonjhar, sets completion deadline

The Odisha government on Monday set a July 2025 deadline to complete the Kanpur dam in Keonjhar, following a high-level review in the district's Joda block.

Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the water resources department, Anu Garg, announced the timeline during a site inspection on Sunday, stressing the dam’s role in irrigating 13,000 hectares this Kharif season and 29,000 hectares post-completion, stated reports from The Times of India.

Initiated two decades ago, the project is the second largest of its kind and will moderate floods in the Baitarani River basin while supplying drinking water and irrigation to mineral-rich areas.

Villagers Voice Grievanves

However, technical delays in depletion sluice works have disrupted downstream water flow, affecting 10 villages. In view of this, Garg instructed officials and assured the affected villagers of regulated water releases to support agriculture.

Further, she reviewed pending tasks, including the installation of 12 radial gates and the completion of the spillway’s concrete structure.

During the same visit, Garg confirmed that eight of nine rehabilitation villages for displaced families are ready, prioritising drinking water over industrial use. Further, the review meeting also proposed interlinking minor irrigation projects and enhancing water storage policies to address the Baitarani basin’s water scarcity.

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CM’s Recent Development Push

In related developments, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled 340 projects worth Rs 1,155 crore for Keonjhar district targeting healthcare, infrastructure, and industrial growth on the same day.

During his visit, the CM laid foundation stones for various projects, including a memorial for freedom fighter Dharanidhar Naik.