Odisha govt to prepare a comprehensive river policy

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced to spend Rs 75,000 crore in next five years for development of water resources and preparing a comprehensive river policy in the state.

The Chief Minister directed the Water Resources department to prepare a comprehensive river policy within three months.

The Chief Minister said several barrages would be constructed on Mahanadi river to store water, which will be utilized for the drinking and agricultural purposes.

Notably, the Odisha government is preparing a master plan to construct seven barrages in the downstream of Mahanadi river and 22 barrages on tributaries and distributaries of Mahanadi.

The government has decided to spend Rs 400 crore in next three years for concrete lining of Bargarh main canal.