Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, today lauded Odisha for its “notable progress” in the Jal Jeevan Mission during an extensive review of the state’s rural water supply and sanitation programmes.
In a high-level meeting held in Bhubaneswar, the Central Secretary expressed satisfaction that Odisha is working in complete alignment with the national priorities of the Jal Jeevan Mission — ensuring every rural household gets a functional tap water connection with sustainable operation and maintenance.
Meena urged the state to further empower Gram Panchayats so they can take full ownership of water supply infrastructure.
He specifically recommended:
- Speedy transfer of operation and maintenance responsibility to Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) under the Jal Arpan initiative
- Greater focus on creating ancillary facilities under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
- Accelerated efforts to achieve ODF+ status in more villages.
The Secretary later called on Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who held detailed discussions on implementation status, achievements, and the roadmap ahead for both flagship missions.
Accompanied by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N. and Mission Director Vineet Bhardwaj, Meena visited two piped water supply projects in Pipili block of Puri district:
- Lohapur project under Jagannathpur Gram Panchayat
- Subalpur project under Yashuapur Gram Panchayat
He inspected the infrastructure quality, appreciated the efforts of field engineers and officials, and interacted directly with local residents to understand the real impact of tap water connections on their daily lives.
