: Odisha has estimated to collect Rs. 6,538.65 crore towards contribution by industries, which have been allocated water from different rivers and irrigation projects, to water conservation fund (WCF).
The WCF will be utilised for construction of in-stream storage structure, which can be used by industries during the lean period besides being used for irrigation and drinking purpose.
The Water Resource Department is considering charging Rs. 2.5 crore per cusecs of water allocated to industries.
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As of now, 2,543.460 cusecs of water have been allocated to industries and other facilities from 19 different irrigation and dam divisions. The highest water allocation of 609.472 cusecs was from Hirakud Dam followed by Samal barrage (380.160 cuseecs) and Mahanadi South Division (323.134 cusecs).
Farmer organisations and environmentalists have been criticising the Odisha government for diverting water for industrial purpose while ignoring legitimate rights of farming community on water.
As per Water Resource department sources, it is stipulated that 10 per cent of the available water flow during lean months can be used by industries.
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However, the department found itself in a little comfortable position following the decision to de-allocate water in case of six industries from Brahmani and Baitarani. The government is currently studying water utilisation by industries in 11 river basins in the State. Based on findings, steps would be taken to rationalise water allocation for industrial purpose.