Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Odisha Water Resources SOP will streamline approvals for laying pipelines across rivers and other water bodies. The move aims to enhance administrative efficiency and improve the Ease of Doing Business in the state. Industries, government agencies, and urban local bodies must now submit applications to the Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources, who will hold the sole authority to approve proposals over DoWR land and water assets.
The SOP sets a detailed multi-tiered scrutiny system. Officials at the Engineer-in-Chief’s office will perform preliminary checks, followed by reviews from divisional officers, additional chief engineers, and controlling officers. Joint field visits with applicants will verify pipeline alignments and assess potential impacts on rivers, canals, and DoWR assets.
The Chief Engineers of Design and Planning will vet technical aspects such as river scour depth, canal embankment safety, pier positioning, and required free board levels. Afterward, a Technical Committee constituted by the department will examine the proposals. Applicants cannot claim compensation for future changes in alignment or modifications to canals and water bodies.
The Water Resources Department will make the final decision. Officials may request clarifications, recommend modifications, or approve proposals. Once an application is complete, DoWR will issue RoW permissions within 45 days, ensuring a more efficient and transparent approval process.
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