Sat Oct 11 08:00:51 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Odisha state government has approved a large-scale, ₹1790 crore intra-state river linking scheme designed to mitigate climate change impacts and address water scarcity. The scheme will connect water-surplus and water-deficient river basins, aiming to improve drought resilience, create water storage, reduce flood risks, and increase agricultural productivity. Six initial projects have been identified. Furthermore, the government has extended the “Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana” for another five years with an outlay of ₹1437 crore, to revive lost irrigation potential and increase irrigation coverage in the state.
**News Article:**
**Odisha Launches Ambitious ₹1790 Crore River Linking Project to Combat Water Crisis**
**BHUBANESWAR, October 11, 2025** – The Odisha government has unveiled a major initiative to tackle water scarcity and the impacts of climate change: a ₹1790 crore Intra-State River Linking Scheme. Approved by the State Cabinet on Friday, October 10th, the project aims to connect rivers within Odisha to address drought resilience and enhance agricultural productivity.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi emphasized the importance of the scheme in securing the state’s water resources for future generations. “This project marks a significant step towards ensuring water security for Odisha. By linking our rivers, we will be better equipped to handle the challenges of climate change and ensure our farmers have the water they need,” said Majhi in a press statement.
The five-year scheme (2025-26 to 2029-30) will connect water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions, improving drought resilience, creating additional water storage, mitigating flood risks, and boosting agricultural productivity. The government plans to start with six initial projects: Katra Link Project, Vansadhara-Rushikulya (Nandini Nalla) intra-link project, Hiradharbati Flood Flow Channel Project, Bahuda Tampara Link Project, Ong-Suktel Garland Canal Project and Telengiri-Upper Kolab Project.
In addition to the river linking scheme, the government has extended the “Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana” for another five years with an outlay of ₹1437 crore. This program focuses on reviving lost irrigation potential and increasing irrigation coverage by restoring irrigation potential of 1,23,448 hectare and increasing additional irrigation coverage of 4862 hectare.
The Odisha government had previously proposed the ambitious Mahanadi-Godavari Link Project, which involved constructing a reservoir on the Mahanadi River and a link canal to the Godavari River.
The river linking scheme represents a significant investment in Odisha’s water infrastructure and a proactive approach to addressing the growing challenges of climate change and water scarcity. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of countless farmers.
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