Odisha is showcasing its integrated water resources management model at the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW)-2026 being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from September 22 to 26.

Odisha is participating as a Partner State in the event, which is being held on the theme “Climate Resilient Water Management”. The Odisha Pavilion was inaugurated by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Patil.

Principal Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Shubha Sarma, co-chaired a special session on “Joint Indo-Danish Solutions for Sustainable Water Management” along with Denmark’s Ambassador to India, Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen. The session discussed opportunities for Odisha-Denmark cooperation in areas such as coastal erosion, coastal resilience and sustainable water management technologies.

The Odisha Pavilion showcases the state’s irrigation infrastructure, efficient water-use initiatives and measures aimed at strengthening water security and climate resilience.

A key attraction is the model of the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA). The project covers 538 minor irrigation tanks across 15 districts and integrates water-body restoration, improved irrigation, climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries development and livelihood support.

The Kanupur Irrigation Project model is also being showcased, highlighting water storage, intra-sub-basin water transfer and modern water conveyance systems.

Visitors can also explore digital success stories highlighting the socio-economic impact of water-related initiatives on farmers and communities. An interactive Community Engagement Corner features quizzes, awareness activities and a Water Conservation Pledge Wall.

Through its participation, Odisha is presenting its initiatives in integrated water management, climate-resilient agriculture, efficient irrigation, livelihood development and community-led water governance on a national and international platform.

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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.

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Majhi Pushes for Dialogue-Based Solution with Chhattisgarh

At a high-level summit held at Lokseva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the urgency of resolving the long-standing Mahanadi river water dispute with neighboring Chhattisgarh through constructive dialogue and mutual cooperation. The Chief Minister also called on the Central Water Commission (CWC) to fast-track its efforts in finding a fair and lasting resolution to the issue.

Centre Urged to Play a Stronger Role

Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow progress made by the Central Water Commission, CM Majhi appealed to the Union Government to step in and facilitate a structured and result-oriented dialogue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He expressed optimism that the involvement of water resource experts and technical bodies would help bridge differences and foster improved inter-state relations.

Ongoing Dialogue Builds on Past Engagements

The renewed focus on the Mahanadi issue comes in the wake of previous discussions between CM Majhi and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnudeo Sai. The two leaders held conversations during the All India State Water Ministers’ Conference in Rajasthan in February and again during World Water Day events in Bhubaneswar in March. Both leaders have repeatedly underlined the need for a peaceful, legally sound resolution to the dispute.

Top Officials and Experts Join Strategic Meeting

The summit saw participation from senior state functionaries, including Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Additional Chief Secretaries Anu Garg (Water Resources) and Shashwat Mishra (Development). Also present were senior engineers and officials from the Water Resources Department, reflecting the seriousness of the issue and the government’s commitment to a technical, data-driven solution.

Central Water Commission Seen as Key Mediator

The discussion highlighted the vital role of the Central Water Commission as a neutral technical authority in mediating the inter-state dispute. Officials acknowledged that only through coordinated planning and shared responsibility can both states achieve equitable water sharing and ensure long-term sustainability of the Mahanadi river basin.

Stronger Interstate Relations and Sustainable Resource Use

With agriculture, industry, and rural livelihoods depending heavily on the Mahanadi’s water, both Odisha and Chhattisgarh are under pressure to find a balanced solution. Officials agreed that resolving the dispute is not just a political necessity, but a socio-economic imperative. The active involvement of the Centre is expected to inject fresh momentum into the process in the months ahead.

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