Bhubaneswar, July 5 (UNI) The Odisha Government has developed a robust digital platform to enable real-time monitoring of Mega Pipe Water Supply Schemes across the state.
Initially, the platform will integrate SCADA systems installed in major projects, with plans to gradually expand its capabilities to incorporate Internet of Things (IoT) systems for smaller
schemes.
To ensure effective field-level management, the government has decided to establish Project Management Units (PMUs) at the district level to oversee operations and maintenance activities.
Simultaneously, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be trained in water quality monitoring techniques, including the use of Field Testing Kits (FTKs), safe sampling procedures, and
real-time reporting through the Jal Jeevan Mission app.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Development Commissioner Anu Garg emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technology to enhance the operation and maintenance of piped water supply systems.
Senior officials, including Secretaries, Engineer-in-Chiefs, and technical heads from the Departments of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Rural Development, Works, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Energy, as well as representatives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), participated in the discussions.
According to sources, the committee reviewed the progress of ongoing projects and stressed that all departments must resolve pending implementation issues within a month.
To facilitate this, joint reviews will be conducted on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Additionally, a dedicated WhatsApp group of nodal officers has been created to ensure real-time coordination.
The committee highlighted the need to shift from an infrastructure-focused approach to a service-delivery-oriented model and called for institutional restructuring.
The Department will examine national best practices and prepare a proposal to realign its organisational structure to support efficient, responsive, and sustainable rural water supply management.
To address frequent pipeline damages caused by civil works undertaken by other agencies, the committee endorsed the Department’s proposal to issue a Government Resolution mandating
Prior excavation intimation through platforms like CBuD.
It also recommended GIS-based mapping of pipeline assets to minimise risks and enhance accountability.
