Odisha Cabinet Approves Rs 3,390-Crore Projects to Boost Water Management and Urban Sanitation
State clears Intrastate River Linking Scheme and Swachha Odisha initiative to strengthen sustainability and public welfare
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved 15 key proposals spanning 10 departments, paving the way for major advancements in water management, sanitation, and infrastructure development. Among the most significant approvals were the Intrastate River Linking Scheme and the Swachha Odisha initiative, together representing an investment of over Rs 3,390 crore aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and improved living conditions across the state.
A major highlight of the Cabinet meeting was the approval of the Intrastate River Linking Scheme, which will be implemented with an outlay of Rs 1,790 crore over five years, from fiscal year 2025–26 to 2029–30. The ambitious initiative seeks to optimize Odisha’s internal water distribution by connecting surplus river basins with water-deficient regions.
According to the state government, the scheme will enhance drought resilience, improve irrigation potential, create additional water storage capacity, and mitigate the impact of floods — a recurring challenge in several parts of the state. It is also expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods by ensuring year-round water availability for farmers.
Under this scheme, six major interlinking projects will be undertaken: the Katra Link Project, Vansadhara–Rushikulya Intra-Link Project, Hiradharabati Flood Flow Channel Project, Bahuda–Tampara Link Project, Ong–Suktel Garland Canal Project, and Telengiri–Upper Kolab Pumped Storage Project.
Officials noted that these projects are designed to balance regional water disparities by diverting excess flows from high rainfall areas to arid regions. Once completed, the initiative will strengthen Odisha’s water security and agricultural infrastructure, marking a key step toward sustainable water management.
“The Intrastate River Linking Scheme will help transform Odisha’s water management landscape,” an official statement said. “By harnessing surplus water and reducing wastage, the scheme will ensure equitable distribution and strengthen the state’s resilience against climate variability.”
In another significant move, the Cabinet approved the launch of Swachha Odisha, a new sanitation and waste management programme with a financial outlay of Rs 1,600 crore over five years starting 2025–26. The initiative underscores the government’s renewed commitment to making cities and towns across Odisha cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.
Swachha Odisha is designed to bridge funding gaps faced by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and ensure comprehensive coverage of all sanitation verticals — from solid waste management to wastewater treatment and urban hygiene. The scheme will work in tandem with the central government’s Swachh Bharat Mission to strengthen urban sanitation outcomes and promote behavioural change towards cleanliness.
According to officials, Swachha Odisha aims to unify multiple ongoing sanitation programmes under one umbrella for better coordination, streamlined project implementation, and more effective monitoring. By doing so, the initiative will not only simplify administrative procedures but also accelerate progress toward the state’s cleanliness goals.
“Swachha Odisha embodies our government’s commitment to building clean, resilient, and liveable cities,” the state government said in a statement. “It will ensure that every urban household and institution benefits from improved waste management and sanitation systems.”
Together, these initiatives reflect the Odisha government’s integrated approach to sustainable development — one that combines environmental conservation with economic empowerment and improved quality of life.
While the Intrastate River Linking Scheme focuses on long-term water security and agricultural resilience, Swachha Odisha addresses the pressing need for urban sanitation and cleanliness — both essential components of a modern, sustainable state.
With a combined investment exceeding Rs 3,390 crore, these Cabinet-approved projects reaffirm Odisha’s commitment to inclusive growth, resource efficiency, and better living standards for its citizens.
