Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UNI) The Odisha Government is planning to set up a dedicated Water Corporation to enhance the management and delivery of drinking water across the state, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development Minister Ravinarayan Naik announced today.
Addressing a press conference, Naik emphasised that clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity, and the government is fully committed to ensuring its availability to every citizen of Odisha.
To maintain the quality of drinking water, the minister said that 527,570 tubewells and sanitary wells, 21,401 production wells, and 15,155 overhead tanks across the state are being regularly cleaned and maintained.
Naik also informed that out of the 29,512 tubewells sanctioned last year, construction of 20,891 has been nearly completed.
Providing an update on large-scale infrastructure, he said that out of 207 ongoing mega drinking water projects, 18 have been completed so far. Work on the remaining projects has been expedited and is under direct supervision.
He added that strict accountability measures are being implemented, and any deviation from standards or deadlines will invite action. Agencies failing to meet deadlines will face penalties, and responsible officers and employees will also be held accountable.
In a significant development, all villages in Nuapada district have been included under the ‘Har Ghar Jal Yojana,’ a milestone towards ensuring safe drinking water in rural areas, the minister said.
To fast-track progress, he said specific targets have been set, with 21 projects to be completed by August, 11 by the end of September, and another 22 by December 2025.
