THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 6, 2026

Emphasising the need for stronger field monitoring and faster execution of critical water infrastructure projects, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department of Odisha, Shubha Sarma, on Friday directed senior officials of Odisha Construction Corporation Limited (OCCL) to intensify site visits and ensure strict oversight of project progress to guarantee timely completion of key works across the state.

Her remarks came during a high-level review meeting of Odisha Construction Corporation Limited (OCCL) held at the OCCL Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar. The meeting focused on assessing the current status of projects being executed by the Corporation and outlining a strategic roadmap to accelerate ongoing works and improve operational efficiency.

The review session was attended by Bighnaraj Purohit, Managing Director of OCCL, along with Chief Engineers and other senior officials of the Corporation. Project heads from multiple construction sites across Odisha also joined the meeting through virtual mode, presenting real-time updates and data on the progress of projects currently underway.

During the meeting, Sarma highlighted the importance of strengthening administrative systems within the Corporation to enhance productivity and accountability. Stressing the need for professional efficiency, she suggested that the performance of outsourced personnel engaged in different projects should be evaluated regularly so that only competent and result-oriented manpower remains associated with the Corporation’s work.

The meeting also undertook a detailed review of the financial aspects of OCCL’s operations. Officials presented updates on budget sanctions, expenditure estimates and fund utilisation related to both completed and ongoing projects. The review aimed to ensure financial discipline while maintaining steady momentum in infrastructure development initiatives undertaken by the Corporation.

A significant portion of the discussion centred on the progress of In-stream Storage Structures currently being constructed across several rivers in Odisha. These structures are considered vital for improving water availability, supporting irrigation requirements and enhancing water management capabilities in different regions of the state.

Officials were instructed to closely monitor the progress of these projects and resolve any operational or logistical challenges that could delay their completion. The Principal Secretary emphasised that such infrastructure plays a critical role in strengthening Odisha’s water security and supporting agricultural productivity.

Special attention was also given to the Kanpur and Suktel projects, with strict directions issued to expedite the remaining construction work before the onset of the monsoon season. Completing these projects within the stipulated timeframe will enable timely water impoundment, which is crucial for irrigation support and water resource management during the upcoming agricultural cycle.

In addition, the meeting reviewed the status of gate installation and related works across various dam projects being executed under different departments. Officials were asked to ensure that these technically critical components are completed within schedule so that the reservoirs can function effectively during the monsoon.

The review concluded with a clear directive from the Principal Secretary that OCCL must maintain a results-driven approach in executing its projects. She emphasised that consistent field supervision, strong administrative discipline and timely decision-making would be essential to ensure that major water infrastructure initiatives are delivered efficiently for the benefit of the state’s farmers and communities.