Odisha Water Resources Department Reviews Project Implementation and Budget Utilisation

The Water Resources Department held a high-level review meeting on Thursday to assess the implementation of ongoing projects and utilisation of the department’s budget.

The meeting was chaired by Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma at the conference hall of the Water Resources Department. The discussions focused on accelerating development activities in the water resources sector, ensuring effective utilisation of funds and completing projects within stipulated timelines.

Senior officials were directed to expedite the implementation of major irrigation, drainage, dam, barrage and canal projects. The review covered ongoing works, projects where the tender process has been completed, as well as proposed works.

Officials were instructed to regularly monitor expenditure and ensure timely finalisation of tenders and issuance of work orders. The meeting also stressed the need for quick decisions on pending approvals and EFC proposals, realistic expenditure estimates and effective utilisation of the budget during the financial year.

The department emphasised that expenditure should not be limited to achieving financial targets but must be outcome-oriented. Timely completion of ongoing projects, creation of irrigation potential, strengthening of water resources infrastructure and delivery of intended project benefits to people were identified as key priorities.

Officials were also advised to make coordinated efforts for the most productive and efficient utilisation of available financial resources.

A presentation on the PM Gati Shakti portal was made during the meeting. Discussions were subsequently held on strengthening the water cess collection system and improving the Bamis portal.

Officials were directed to take necessary steps to ensure better monitoring and management of departmental activities through effective use of the PM Gati Shakti platform, increasing water cess collection and further upgrading the Bamis portal.

The meeting also discussed Odisha’s nomination for the National Water Awards.

The meeting was attended by Engineer-in-Chief Dilip Kumar Rout, Director of Rehabilitation and Resettlement Ashok Kumar Behera, senior departmental officials, chief engineers and other officials.