The Odisha government is steadfast in its mission to provide clean and safe drinking water to every resident of the state, declared Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik.
Emphasising that access to clean water is a fundamental need, the government is actively working to ensure its availability across Odisha. Out of 207 ongoing mega drinking water projects, 18 have been completed, with the remaining projects being expedited and closely monitored. Any delays or lapses will result in penalties for the responsible agencies, and officials will be held accountable for ensuring timely execution, the Minister stated.
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Nuapada district, where every village has been integrated into the ‘Har Ghar Jal Yojana,’ ensuring access to clean drinking water for all rural households. This marks a historic step in improving rural water infrastructure. The government has set ambitious targets to complete 21 projects by August, 11 by September, and 22 by December 2025. To further streamline water management, plans are underway to establish a dedicated Water Corporation in the state.
To ensure water safety, 5,27,570 tube wells, 21,401 production wells, and 15,155 overhead tanks are undergoing regular purification. Of the 29,512 tube wells sanctioned last year, 20,891 have been nearly completed. The government’s focus on accountability is evident, with strict penalties for agencies failing to meet deadlines and clear responsibility assigned to officials and staff involved.
Minister Naik reiterated that these initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for Odisha’s residents by ensuring access to safe drinking water, a cornerstone of public health and development..
