Odisha working on master plan for Mahanadi

Bhubaneswar: After facing criticism, Odisha government has decided to construct seven barrages in the downstream of Mahanadi River.

Besides, 22 barrages will also be constructed on Mahanadi's tributaries and distributaries, informed Secretary of Odisha Water Resources Department, Pradip Jena on Saturday.

While addressing a presser, Jena stated that, "The government is working on a roadmap and a master plan to put a check on water of Mahanadi that is getting drained into the sea by constructing barrages and anicuts downstream."

Odisha and Chhattisgarh are at loggerheads over Mahanadi water, and as the matter is pending before the Tribunal, Jena did not divulge much about the proposed master plan of the government.

The move of the state government came after Chhattisgarh constructed several barrages upstream of Mahanadi checking the flowing of water downstream.

The Odisha government also faced severe criticism for not constructing barrages to store water as around 52 per cent of water is going into the sea, while the state can utilise only 22,948 million cubic meter (MCM) of water.

The state government has taken up at least five projects since 2000 to utilise the water flowing to the sea, said an official.

Sources said Odisha is contemplating to undertake seven major projects including barrages and anicuts at Boudh, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Munduli areas.

The projects would be crucial in meeting drinking water, irrigation and other requirements, informed sources.