Jeypore, 14th Oct 2025: In an effort to reduce water waste and enhance irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, the government has approved a river linking project. The Telengiri and Kolab rivers in Koraput district will be connected through a Pumped Storage Project (PSP), which has received cabinet approval. This initiative aims to prevent water wastage by storing river water in dams, which can then be used for electricity generation. The surplus water post-power generation can be utilized for agricultural purposes.
Keeping this in view, the government has decided to implement the river linking of Telengiri and Kolab. As a result, irrigation facilities will be provided to 59,460 hectares of agricultural land. This project is expected to reduce water waste and boost both irrigation and power production.
However, there are concerns among locals regarding potential displacement and loss of land, as detailed information about which areas may be affected has not yet been released. According to the cabinet decision, ₹1,790 crore has been allocated for the project, which is scheduled for completion by the 2029–30 fiscal year.
The Kolab Multipurpose Hydropower Project was launched in 1986–87 to bring light and agricultural prosperity to the Koraput district. Similarly, in 2019, the Telengiri Project was initiated to support irrigation. Dams have already been constructed on both the Telengiri and Kolab rivers as part of these projects.
Often, when the water level in the dam exceeds the danger mark, excess water is released through the spill gates. This leads to significant water loss. Through this new river linking project, such wastage will be avoided, and stored water will be effectively used.
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