Odisha, a state in eastern India, is endowed with a rich network of rivers, lakes, and groundwater resources. These water resources are crucial for the state's economy, particularly for agriculture, which is the primary source of livelihood for a majority of its population. However, the state also faces challenges in managing these resources effectively due to factors like uneven rainfall distribution, floods, and droughts.
Surface Water Resources
Odisha boasts 11 major river basins, including the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, and Subarnarekha, contributing to a significant portion of the state's water resources. These rivers are not only vital for irrigation but also support hydropower generation, industrial activities, and domestic water supply.
Key surface water sources:
Rivers: Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Rushikulya, Vansadhara
Lakes: Chilika Lake (largest brackish water lake in Asia)
Reservoirs: Hirakud Dam, Rengali Dam, Indravati Dam
Groundwater Resources
Groundwater plays a crucial role in Odisha's irrigation, especially in drought-prone areas. The state has substantial groundwater reserves, although their utilization varies across regions.
Irrigation Infrastructure
Odisha has a diverse irrigation infrastructure, ranging from traditional tanks and canals to modern dams and lift irrigation projects.
Major irrigation projects:
Hirakud Dam (Mahanadi River)
Rengali Dam (Brahmani River)
Indravati Dam (Indravati River)
Types of irrigation systems:
Canals
Tanks
Lift irrigation
Tube wells
Drip irrigation (increasingly adopted for water efficiency)
Challenges and Management Strategies
Despite its abundant water resources, Odisha faces various challenges in their management:
Uneven rainfall distribution: The state experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, leading to floods, while some regions suffer from droughts during the dry season.
Inter-state water disputes: Odisha shares its major rivers with neighboring states, leading to disputes over water sharing.
Siltation of reservoirs: Sedimentation in dams and reservoirs reduces their storage capacity and affects their lifespan.
Groundwater depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater in some areas has led to declining water tables.
To address these challenges, Odisha has implemented several strategies:
Construction of new water storage structures: Building new dams, reservoirs, and check dams to enhance water storage capacity.
Watershed management: Implementing programs to conserve soil and water in watersheds, improving water infiltration and reducing runoff.
Promotion of water-efficient irrigation techniques: Encouraging the adoption of drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and other water-saving methods.
Groundwater recharge: Implementing artificial recharge measures to replenish groundwater aquifers.
Community participation: Involving local communities in water resource management through awareness campaigns and participatory irrigation management.
Government Initiatives
The Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha, is the nodal agency responsible for the planning, development, and management of water resources in the state. Some key initiatives include:
Odisha State Water Policy: Provides a framework for the sustainable management of water resources.
Irrigation Master Plan: Aims to expand irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency.
Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture: Focuses on enhancing irrigation infrastructure and promoting climate-resilient agriculture practices.
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