Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has unveiled plans for a new barrage and reservoir on the Mahanadi River system, sparking mixed reactions. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi made the announcement in the state Assembly on Thursday, stating that survey work is already underway and central agencies are being briefed. Chief engineers have also been directed to take swift action.
While this ambitious project is touted as a boost to Odisha’s water management and irrigation infrastructure, critics are raising questions about its timing and intent. The announcement coincides with the BJP government rolling out seven new schemes and renaming 21 existing ones.
The newly launched schemes include:
– Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya
– Corpus Fund for Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA)
– Samrudha Krushaka Yojana
– Subhadra Yojana
– Madho Singh Haath Kharch Yojana
– Odia Asmita Corpus Fund
– Establishment of Pediatric Cancer Facilities
While these initiatives address diverse areas like education, healthcare, and agriculture, opposition leaders argue that the renaming of 21 schemes launched by the previous government is more about rebranding than real reform.
Political observers are calling the barrage project and new schemes a dual-edged move—promising development but also potentially serving as a political pitch. As the Mahanadi has long been a point of contention between Odisha and neighboring Chhattisgarh, the project may also revive regional disputes over water sharing.
Whether these announcements mark a step toward progress or a calculated strategy remains a hot topic in Odisha’s political circles.
