Advertisement
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
• The Odisha government has notified guidelines for a new Bridge-Cum-Weir Scheme with an estimated outlay of INR 600 crore over five years.
• The programme aims to utilise existing rural bridges as water retention structures to improve groundwater recharge, irrigation and water availability across the state.
• A total of 670 projects, including 162 spillover works and 508 new projects, have been planned between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31.
• The scheme is expected to support sustainable water management while enhancing agricultural productivity, environmental conservation and rural livelihoods.
The Odisha government has introduced a new Bridge-Cum-Weir Scheme to promote water conservation by integrating hydraulic structures with existing rural bridges. The initiative, notified through guidelines issued by the Rural Development Department, seeks to improve water retention across seasonal streams and rivers while making better use of existing public infrastructure. The programme has been designed to strengthen irrigation, groundwater recharge and rural water security through technically suitable bridge-based interventions.
The scheme will be implemented over a five-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with a total financial outlay of INR 600 crore. During this period, the government proposes to complete 162 ongoing spillover projects and undertake 508 new Bridge-Cum-Weir projects, taking the total number of planned works to 670 across Odisha. Annual allocations will progressively increase from INR 55 crore in FY 2026-27 to INR 150 crore in FY 2030-31, reflecting the phased implementation strategy.
According to the guidelines, Odisha's network of seasonal rivers, streams and nallahs provides an opportunity to combine transport infrastructure with water conservation. Instead of constructing separate water retention structures, the government plans to develop low-head weirs adjacent to existing bridges wherever technically feasible. This integrated approach is intended to store monsoon runoff, improve groundwater recharge and extend water availability during dry months.
The primary objectives of the programme include conserving water within river and stream channels, improving groundwater recharge, supporting minor irrigation, reducing soil erosion and increasing water availability for domestic use and livestock. The government also expects the structures to generate livelihood opportunities by enabling activities such as pisciculture and other water-dependent rural enterprises.
Project selection will follow technical criteria specified in the guidelines. Existing bridges should preferably have stable foundations and sound structural conditions, while proposed sites must have well-defined stream channels, stable embankments and suitable hydraulic characteristics. Authorities have also stipulated that nearby agricultural land, habitations or livestock-dependent communities should be able to directly benefit from the conserved water.
The Rural Development Department has established a structured implementation framework involving Chief Construction Engineers, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers. Before construction begins, every project will undergo hydraulic assessment, structural evaluation, preparation of General Arrangement Drawings (GAD), detailed engineering designs, project estimates and approval of Detailed Project Reports. Construction contracts will be awarded through the state's e-tendering process after obtaining all statutory approvals.
To ensure quality and accountability, the government has introduced a two-tier quality assurance mechanism supported by regular inspections and independent monitoring. The scheme also provides for third-party evaluation after completion of the five-year implementation period to assess its socio-economic and environmental outcomes. In addition, inspection and maintenance of completed Bridge-Cum-Weir structures will follow the bridge maintenance guidelines already adopted by the state government.
The Odisha government expects the initiative to improve long-term water security in rural areas by retaining monsoon runoff, reviving wells and ponds, expanding irrigation potential and enhancing environmental sustainability. By combining transport infrastructure with water conservation, the Bridge-Cum-Weir Scheme seeks to create durable public assets that deliver both connectivity and resource management benefits across the state.
Source Government of Odisha
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
