In a decisive push towards universal piped drinking water access in rural Odisha, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development & Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik today chaired a high-level review meeting on the progress of major Piped Water Supply (PWS) schemes across the state.
The meeting, held at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) conference hall, focused on physical progress, timeline adherence, and quality of execution of mega water supply projects.
Senior officials, including Department Secretary Girish S.N., Drinking Water Director Vinit Bhardwaj, Chief Engineer Ratnakar Sial, and representatives from RWSS divisions and executing agencies attended the session.
Key Highlights
- 36 mega PWS projects have been fully completed.
- 50 additional projects have finished critical Intake and Water Treatment Plant (WTP) components.
- The remaining works are being fast-tracked to deliver safe drinking water to rural households at the earliest.
Minister Naik emphasised that the directive from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Mangal has set a firm deadline: all projects must be completed by March 2027. He warned that agencies failing to meet timelines will face strict penalties, including fines and blacklisting. He directed officials to ensure adequate manpower deployment, regular monitoring, and uncompromising quality standards.
“Every rural family in Odisha must receive uninterrupted, clean drinking water. There is no scope for delay or compromise,” the Minister asserted.
The government is prioritising this ambitious programme to transform rural water security and public health outcomes in the state.
