Cabinet Approves ₹100.89-Crore Wastewater Treatment Project to Rejuvenate River Daya

Bhubaneswar: Taking a major step towards tackling water pollution in the state capital, the Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved a ₹100.89-crore project for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant at the confluence of River Daya and Gangua Nallah. The project is expected to curb the flow of untreated sewage into the river system and improve the overall environmental health of the region.

The proposed facility will be developed by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, which also includes operation and maintenance of the plant for a period of five years after its completion.

Gangua Nallah has for years served as a major carrier of sewage and wastewater from different parts of Bhubaneswar. The discharge of untreated waste into River Daya has contributed to deteriorating water quality, environmental degradation and growing concerns over public health and groundwater contamination.

To address these challenges, the project will focus on intercepting and treating wastewater before it reaches River Daya. Officials said the initiative would play a crucial role in restoring the river ecosystem while strengthening the city’s sanitation infrastructure.

At the heart of the project will be a 60 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant based on Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology. The treatment facility will be supported by an integrated network that includes an 800-mm diameter ductile iron pumping main stretching 1.1 kilometres, a wet-well sewage pumping station, SCADA-enabled monitoring and automation systems, and a dedicated power feeder line.

Following the evaluation of financial bids submitted by technically qualified bidders, the state government approved the lowest bid of ₹100.89 crore, including GST. The contract has been awarded to M/s East India Udyog Limited of Noida.

The project is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026, and is targeted for completion by April 30, 2028.

Officials described the initiative as a key intervention for the rejuvenation of River Daya and the reduction of pollution levels in Bhubaneswar’s drainage network. Once operational, the treatment plant is expected to significantly lower the volume of untreated wastewater entering natural water bodies and help ensure compliance with national environmental standards.

The project is also expected to contribute to the state’s broader efforts to build sustainable urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents through better sanitation and environmental management.