Odisha Begins SWRF Implementation to Strengthen Water Governance
Odisha has initiated the implementation of the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF), a Ministry of Jal Shakti benchmarking program designed to enhance water governance and sustainability.
The framework introduces 75 reform indicators across five categories: policy and regulation, project monitoring, digitalisation and research, infrastructure, and community engagement.
Departments including Housing & Urban Development, Forest & Environment, Pollution Control Board, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Tourism, Agriculture, and the Central Ground Water Board will play key roles in execution.
As part of the roadmap, departments must nominate Additional Secretary-level officers as Nodal Officers by July 20, 2026.
These officers will review indicators, conduct gap assessments, and submit verified responses with supporting documents.
The timeline sets December 31, 2026, for completion of gap assessments, with verified submissions due by January 31, 2027.
National rankings under SWRF are expected in April 2027, positioning Odisha for evaluation on its water governance reforms.
Officials emphasised that effective coordination and timely compliance are critical to ensure Odisha’s strong performance in the upcoming national benchmarking exercise.
