Irrigation in Odisha plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable farming practices and increasing farmers’ income. Recognizing its importance, Odisha has implemented various irrigation projects to accelerate irrigation development and enhance water infrastructure. In addition to major and medium irrigation projects, the state has focused on short gestation schemes such as mega lift irrigation, deep bore wells, and community lift points to expand irrigation coverage.
To expedite irrigation development, the adoption of underground pipelines (UGPL) in distribution systems has been prioritized, ensuring timely completion of irrigation projects. Over the past three years, significant progress has been made in water infrastructure. Four major projects, namely the Upper Indravati Lift Canal system, Kalahandi Lower Indra, Nuapada-Bolangir, and Deo in Mayurbhanj, have been successfully completed. These projects provide irrigation facilities to more than 71,000 hectares of land. Efforts to expedite work on other major projects, including the Gangadhar Meher Lift Canal in Bargarh, Ghateswar in Ganjam, and Manjore in Angul, have been made, with a target set for completion in 2023. Additionally, four more projects, namely Lower Suktel, Kanpur, Anandapur, and Subarnarekha, are scheduled for completion in 2024.
In addition to major irrigation projects, mega lift irrigation projects for upland areas and deep bore wells have contributed significantly to expanding irrigation coverage. More than one lakh bore wells and over 200 mega lift projects have been completed, receiving overwhelming response and support from farmers. Recognizing the impact of these schemes, the government has approved INR 10,760 crore for the construction of 170 new mega lift projects and INR 4,198 crore for the construction of one lakh deep bore wells in the second phase, including those utilizing solar pumps.
Water resource conservation is also a key focus to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. More than 15,000 check dams have been constructed across various nallahs (streams) in the state. In 2020, INR 11,760 crore was approved for the construction of in-stream storage structures (ISS) in different rivers. Currently, 30 ISS projects are underway, with plans to initiate 16 more projects in 2023. Groundwater recharge initiatives have been taken up in water-stressed areas, covering 52 blocks and 27 urban local bodies, through the CHHATA (Community Harnessing & Harvesting Rainwater Artificially from Terrace to Aquifer) scheme. Another scheme, ARUA (Artificial Recharge to Underground Aquifer), has been launched to improve groundwater levels by constructing recharge shafts.
To enhance water use efficiency in canal irrigation, canal lining works and system rehabilitation projects have been implemented on a large scale. Approximately 35% of canals have been lined through various schemes. Additionally, extensive training and capacity-building programs have been conducted for farmers and Pani Panchayat members to promote micro-irrigation techniques in mega lift projects, CLIPs (community lift irrigation points), and bore wells installed by the department, aiming to maximize crop yield with minimal water usage.
In the year 2021–22, the total Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) for kharif crops was 46.3 lakh hectares, and for rabi crops, it was 20.6 lakh hectares. These efforts in irrigation infrastructure development and water resource conservation demonstrate the state’s commitment to agricultural growth, ensuring sustainable farming practices, and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.
Government Initiatives under Irrigation
- Government’s continued thrust on creating and completing water infrastructure, reflected in increased budgetary outlays for the sector, led to enhanced coverage under irrigation.
- Many major irrigation projects (like Lower Indra & Upper Indravati Lift Irrigation) and medium irrigation projects (like Deo & MCII) were completed. Work is expedited in other ongoing projects to complete in coming year.
- Irrigation to upland areas were covered through 208 mega lift projects under Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation scheme. 170 more projects were approved under Parvati Giri Mega Lift scheme (2.0 version).
- Under the ambitious INR 11,700 crore scheme for construction of In-stream Storage Structure, initial work began in 30 places.
- Deep Bore Wells across the state, through “Biju Krushak Vikas Yojana – Deep Bore Well Secha Karyakrama” continue to lift lives through diverse crops grown.
- The Department leveraged technology, starting its Water ERP called Go-Water.
- Community involvement in irrigation through Pani Panchayats continued as 14,000 new Pani Panchayats were created and the PP Act amended to have PPs under mega lift irrigation schemes as well.