The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has approved the Intra-State River Linking Scheme with a total investment of Rs 1,790 crore to be implemented over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30). 

The initiative aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and address recurring water crises by connecting water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions. The six proposed projects include the Katra Link Project, Vansadhara–Rushikulya Intra-Link Project, Hiradharbati Flood Flow Channel Project, Bahuda Tampara Link Project, Ong–Suktel Garland Canal Project, and Telengiri–Upper Kolab Project. These projects will enhance drought resilience, improve water storage, reduce flood risks, and increase agricultural productivity across the state.

Additionally, the Cabinet extended the ‘Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana’ for another five years with an outlay of Rs 1,437 crore, aimed at reviving lost ayacut and enhancing irrigation potential across 1.28 lakh hectares.