The state government has unveiled an ambitious intra-state river linking programme to address persistent challenges in water management, such as flooding, water scarcity, and agricultural demand.Scheduled for phased implementation from 2025–26 to 2029–30, the initiative carries an estimated cost of Rs 18 billion. Led by the Department of Water Resources, the project aims to improve irrigation, mitigate flood risks, and ensure reliable access to drinking water across the state.According to sources, six key projects are planned to connect water-surplus river basins with deficit regions. These include the Katra Link, Hiradharbati Flood Flow Channel, Bahuda-Rushikulya Basin Link, Vansadhara-Rushikulya Link, Ong-Suktel Garland Canal, and Telengiri-Upper Kolab Pumped Storage Project (PSP).The Katra Link will channel water from the Kansapal integrated storage system to drought-prone zones, enhancing irrigation capacity. The Hiradharbati Flood Flow Channel will redirect excess floodwaters to Chilika Lake via Tampara, helping reduce downstream flood risk.The Bahuda-Rushikulya link is designed to secure drinking water supply for Berhampur town and the Gopalpur SEZ, while the Vansadhara-Rushikulya intra-link will divert water via the Nandini nullah to regions experiencing acute shortages. The Ong-Suktel Garland Canal will revitalise 108 tanks and bring 10,000 hectares of land under irrigation. Similarly, the Telengiri-Upper Kolab PSP will expand reservoir capacity and support irrigation.Chandra Sekhar Padhi, Officer-on-Special-Duty and Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, stated that these projects would enable equitable water distribution for agriculture, household, and industrial use, while enhancing the state’s resilience to climate change.“Of the six proposed components, the Katra Link is in an advanced stage. Feasibility studies are ongoing for the others, and all will be executed in phases over five years,” he said.The integrated water network is expected to revive over 150 water bodies, improve storage capacity, and significantly reduce the vulnerability of districts like Balangir and Ganjam to seasonal drought. Flood-prone areas will also see better flow regulation, minimising damage to life and property.