Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards strengthening water security, agricultural productivity and energy infrastructure, the Odisha Cabinet has approved three significant projects covering Balangir, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts.
The initiatives, involving an overall investment of over Rs 5,098 crore, aim to ensure sustainable water availability, expand irrigation potential and enhance the state’s renewable energy storage capacity.
The Cabinet has approved the tender for construction of an in-stream storage structure across the Indra/Sundar River, a tributary of the Tel River, near village Patharla in Titilagarh block of Balangir district, at an execution cost of Rs 99.99 crore (excluding GST). The project is targeted for completion within 30 calendar months.
The project aims to conserve monsoon runoff by creating in-stream water storage, making the stored water available during lean seasons. It will provide assured and sustainable domestic water supply to around 12 villages across Titilagarh and Bangomunda blocks. In addition, it will support animal husbandry, fisheries and other water-dependent livelihood activities, while contributing to ecological balance and groundwater recharge.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet has approved the tender for seven Mega Lift Irrigation Schemes under Cluster XXVIII of the Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Project in Nuapada district, with a total financial outlay of Rs 289.68 crore. This includes Rs 268.22 crore towards execution and Rs 21.46 crore for 15 years of operation and maintenance.
The seven schemes—Boden, Borigaon, Khairmal, Lasunpali, Gandabahali, Chaura and Konabira—will create an additional planned irrigation potential of 8,800 hectares across 59 villages in Boden, Sinapali and Komna blocks. Drawing water from Udanti River and Lower Indra reservoir, the schemes will extend irrigation facilities to upland agricultural areas that are difficult to serve through conventional gravity-based systems.
The schemes will provide pressurised irrigation through underground pipelines up to the one-hectare chak level, reducing water losses, promoting micro-irrigation, improving productivity and encouraging crop diversification. Fully state-funded, they will be implemented over 36 months with 15 years of operation and maintenance.
600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage
The Cabinet has approved the project cost, EPC contractor and financial framework for the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project at Ranibahal, Kalahandi, to be implemented through Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Limited (OHPC). M/s Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) has been selected as the EPC contractor at Rs 3,372.88 crore (excluding GST).
The total project cost is Rs 4,708.64 crore, covering consultancy, land acquisition, forest clearances and interest during construction (IDC).
The project will follow an 80:20 debt-equity ratio, with OHPC contributing 20% equity from its internal reserves and the State Government providing the remaining 80% as a phased soft loan at an interest rate at par with the RBI repo rate.
The 600 MW facility will generate 1,040 MU of annual peak energy using 1,283 MU of off-peak pumping energy. It will store surplus power and supply it during peak demand, while enhancing grid stability through frequency response, spinning reserves, load management and black-start capabilities. The project is scheduled for commissioning by FY 2030-31.