Odisha Reviews Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar Amid Rising Demand
The Housing and Urban Development Department has reviewed the Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas to address the city’s growing water needs.
Chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, the meeting directed WATCO to fast‑track ongoing and proposed projects in line with Bhubaneswar’s rapid urban expansion.
Bhubaneswar’s population has surged from 8.40 lakh in 2011 to an estimated 13.03 lakh in 2025, pushing water demand to 304 MLD against a supply capacity of 238.50 MLD. The shortfall is currently met through groundwater.
Six existing Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) draw water from the Mahanadi, Kuakhai, and Daya rivers.
To bridge the demand–supply gap, WATCO will commission a 130 MLD WTP at Mundali within six months, followed by a 20 MLD WTP at Naharkanta by 2028.
Long‑term plans include lifting 1000 MLD of raw water from the Mahanadi for the next 50 years and constructing an additional 400 MLD WTP under Viksit Bharat @2047.
Padhee also instructed WATCO to conduct a comprehensive survey of Urban Local Bodies across Odisha, focusing on areas facing acute summer shortages.
The survey will assess source sustainability, treatment and storage capacity, distribution efficiency, and peak demand.
The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building sustainable, reliable, and future‑ready water infrastructure aligned with Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047.
Once the Mundali WTP becomes operational, WATCO will ensure water supply to all apartments and institutions in Bhubaneswar.
