Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20 (UDN): The Odisha Water Resources Department has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure and irrigation projects while ensuring that budgetary resources are utilised efficiently and produce tangible outcomes on the ground.
The directions were issued during a review meeting chaired by Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Shubha Sarma at the department’s conference hall in Bhubaneswar.
Focus on Timely Execution
The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing developmental works and stressed the need to speed up capital expenditure projects, major irrigation schemes, drainage systems, dams, barrages and canal projects.
Controlling officers were asked to expedite the tendering process and issue work orders without unnecessary delays. Officials were also directed to clear pending approvals and Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) proposals at the earliest.
The department emphasised the preparation of realistic project cost estimates and effective utilisation of the allocated budget within the current financial year.
Outcome-Based Spending Stressed
Officials were cautioned that departmental expenditure should not be driven merely by the achievement of financial targets. Instead, spending must translate into measurable outcomes and benefits for the people.
The meeting placed particular emphasis on completing ongoing projects on schedule, expanding irrigation potential and strengthening the state’s water resources infrastructure.
Officials were also asked to coordinate efforts to ensure that available financial resources are used efficiently and productively.
PM Gati Shakti Portal Reviewed
A presentation on the PM Gati Shakti portal was also made during the meeting. Officials discussed ways to improve the use of the platform for planning and monitoring departmental projects.
The meeting also reviewed measures to strengthen water tax collection and improve the BAMIS (Budget Allocation and Monitoring Information System) portal for better tracking and management of departmental works.
Officials were instructed to take concrete steps to increase water tax collection and further strengthen digital monitoring mechanisms.
National Water Awards Nomination Discussed
Odisha’s nomination for the National Water Awards also came up for discussion during the review.
Among those attending the meeting were Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout, Director of Rehabilitation and Resettlement Ashok Kumar Behera, senior departmental officials, Chief Engineers and other staff members.
The department’s latest directions underline the government’s focus on faster project delivery, stronger financial management and ensuring that water infrastructure investments translate into direct benefits for people across Odisha.
Leave a Reply