Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Government of Odisha, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra today chaired a high-level review meeting to evaluate the operational and financial progress of various projects executed by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO). The session took place at Unnati Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
Managing Director of WATCO, Debabrata Mohanty, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the corporation’s operational jurisdiction, ongoing water supply and sewerage initiatives, and the functional status of Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The review examined physical targets, project timelines, expenditure against budgetary provisions, and strategies to accelerate completion.
Minister Mahapatra assessed the progress of water supply and sewerage infrastructure, placing strong emphasis on effective fund utilisation and improved service delivery to citizens. Key operational challenges, technical execution requirements, and site-level bottlenecks were discussed in detail.
Financial performance formed a major component of the review. Participants examined budget allocations and the pace of expenditure across active projects. Close monitoring of project-wise spending and swift resolution of operational delays were highlighted as critical measures to maintain project schedules.
The meeting also addressed key administrative transitions:
- NAC Integration: Arrangements were deliberated for taking over and handing over newly constituted Notified Area Councils (NACs) falling under WATCO’s jurisdiction.
- Sewerage Infrastructure Transfer: In accordance with official government notifications, the proposed transfer of sewerage works from WATCO to the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) was reviewed to ensure administrative clarity and service continuity.
Additionally, officials reviewed planned Information, Education and Communication (IEC) outreach under the SUJAL scheme, scheduled from October 2 to October 16, 2026. The two-week campaign aims to raise public awareness around responsible water usage, service standards, and civic participation.
Directing officials to enforce strict financial discipline and quality control, Minister Mahapatra instructed implementing agencies to enhance inter-departmental coordination and resolve bottlenecks promptly.
The review was attended by senior officials from the Housing & Urban Development Department, WATCO, OWSSB, and partner agencies. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Director (Projects), WATCO.
