This 82-km-long British-era canal in Odisha splits the Mahanadi, serves as a vital lifeline

The Taladanda Canal, stretching 82.3 kilometres from Jobra in Cuttack to Paradip on the Bay of Bengal, stands as one of Odisha's oldest and most important irrigation and urban infrastructure projects.

Constructed during the early 20th century under British colonial rule, it was developed to support irrigation, urban water needs, and trade infrastructure. Notably, the canal begins as a distributary of the Mahanadi River, effectively splitting the river’s flow and channelling water eastwards across the coastal plain.

Its path cuts through densely populated urban zones, peri-urban belts, and vast tracts of farmland, serving multiple purposes, not only providing agricultural irrigation but also supporting municipal water supply, feeding industrial zones, and ensuring drainage and sanitation for thousands of residents.

In a state frequently grappling with erratic monsoons and water stress, the Taladanda Canal ensures year-round water availability, making it a crucial infrastructure backbone for large parts of coastal Odisha.

Why it was built: Agriculture and trade at its core

The Taladanda Canal was intended to irrigate 63,751 hectares of farmland and supported both kharif and rabi crops, becoming a lifeline for farmers in Cuttack and adjoining areas.

Even today, it remains indispensable to the state's agricultural ecosystem, providing an assured water supply to thousands of farmers who rely on it for seasonal cultivation. The steady flow also buffers against monsoon failures, offering stability to crop cycles.

Over time, the canal evolved beyond its original agricultural purpose as it began supplying water to Paradip Port, bolstering maritime trade, and became a reliable source for industrial activities, fisheries, and municipal water use.

In many urban settlements along its banks, the canal plays a crucial role in drainage and sanitation, especially during monsoons when natural flooding is common. Its multi-utility framework ensures that it continues to serve as a vital economic and infrastructural artery in Odisha’s development story.

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From decline to revival: A canal reborn

By the early 2000s, the canal had slipped into severe neglect, encroached by slums and choked with garbage and medical waste.

Wastewater from hospitals and urban drains polluted the canal, turning it into a sanitation hazard.

Recognising its strategic value, the Odisha government launched a large-scale renovation project. The initiative included removing encroachments, closing illegal drains, and deploying Cementious Composite Geo-Synthetic Mattress (CCGM) to improve water efficiency and canal life.

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Urban benefits and tourism potential

Beyond irrigation, the project brought urban renewal to Cuttack. Canal banks were cleaned, landscaped, and made more visually appealing.

Today, the Odisha State Maritime Museum at Jobra now draws tourists by showcasing historic navigation tools and irrigation artefacts, linking the canal's colonial past to its modern transformation. Further, the waterway also supports local livelihoods and small-scale businesses.

Despite the makeover, waste dumping and maintenance remain persistent issues. Long-term sustainability will depend on robust waste management, community awareness, and regular desilting.

Its story is one of historical depth, infrastructural neglect, and eventual revival, an enduring symbol of engineering legacy turned into contemporary utility.