IIT Roorkee pioneers training for Odisha engineers in Water Management

New Delhi: IIT Roorkee has provided training to 160 field engineers and officers of the Odisha government to enhance skills in water resource management, with a special emphasis on Minor Irrigation Systems.

In December 2023 IIT Roorkee and the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate-Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide skills to engineers in minor irrigation systems in the state.

This collaborative also effort is a crucial milestone in promoting sustainable water management practices, enhancing the efficiency of irrigation systems, and empowering engineers to address the challenges of climate-resilient agriculture in Odisha.

Speaking about the project, Prof. Deepak Khare, Dean of Finance and Planning, IIT Roorkee said, “The success of this initiative showcases IIT Roorkee’s dedication to fostering expertise in water resource management. Our training programs not only enhance technical skills but also inspire innovative solutions to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.”

Rashmi Ranjan Nayak, Additional Secretary and Project Director of OIIPCRA said, “The collaboration with IIT Roorkee has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of our field engineers and officers. This initiative marks a significant stride towards climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water resource management.”

As part of this effort, IIT Roorkee’s Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRD&M) organized eight training programs between January 2024 and August 2024 at the Continuing Education Center, IIT Roorkee.

The first course, held from January 8 to 13, 2024, was inaugurated by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee.

Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, stated, “This training program reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting sustainable water management and agricultural practices. By equipping engineers with advanced knowledge and skills, we are contributing to the realization of Viksit Bharat and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.”

Jagannath Mallik, Superintending Engineer, Minor Irrigation Organization, Odisha shared his experience and said, “The training provided by IIT Roorkee was incredibly valuable. The knowledge gained in advanced water management techniques and technologies will greatly enhance our ability to implement effective irrigation solutions and contribute to climate-resilient agriculture in Odisha.”

In these programs Civil Engineers from Odisha participated in the training, gaining in-depth knowledge in various aspects of water resources management, including groundwater assessment, groundwater governance, earth dam, canal design, canal lining, cross drainage works, water use efficiency, soil erosion, sedimentation, retrofitting of hydraulic structures, project management, economic risk assessment, rainwater harvesting, drought assessment, and cost-benefit analysis of irrigation projects.