Bhubaneswar, June 8 -- The Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved the lowest financial bid for the construction of a new In-Stream Storage Structure (ISS) downstream of the existing Ayodhya Sagar weir across the Mahanadi River, a major project aimed at ensuring sustainable drinking water supply to Sambalpur and surrounding areas.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the existing Ayodhya Sagar weir, built in the 1960s, has long served as a key source of water for Sambalpur town and nearby rural areas, catering to domestic needs as well as supporting livestock, fisheries and other livelihood activities.
However, the structure has deteriorated considerably over the years. Cracks and extensive leakage have si...