Together, the projects are expected to produce 2,000MW of electricity.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik revealed that government will establish a dedicated public sector company, Green Energy Development Corporation, to focus on small hydro power development.

"That apart, the organization will also develop other renewable sources of energy like solar and wind," Patnaik added.

"Odisha is blessed with abundant water resources. Our State has 11% of the country’s water resources."

Patnaik further noted that Hydro Electric energy is a source of clean and non-polluting renewable energy.

"In order to have a positive power mix of hydro and thermal sources our Government is now giving more emphasis on development of more hydro power sources, of course without compromising environmental adverse impacts including submergence and displacement," Patnaik said.

The government has also initiated survey for a 600MW pumped storage project at Upper Indravati.