Rourkela/Bhubaneswar: Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water remains a priority for the Odisha government, with dedicated efforts underway in both rural and urban areas. The Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water (PR&DW) Department and the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department have been implementing a range of initiatives to provide 24×7 piped potable water and improve water quality across the state.
For urban areas, the H&UD Department has launched programs like Jalasathi, Drink from Tap (DFT) Mission, and the Smart Water Information Management System (SWIMS) to ensure a continuous supply of potable water, minimize water loss, and maintain rigorous water quality testing. In rural areas, the PR&DW Department has been implementing various schemes to expand access to safe drinking water.
A major boost to this mission comes from the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC), which is financially supporting the Drink from Tap scheme in 14 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across several mining-affected districts. In Sundargarh district alone, more than 32,000 households across four ULBs have already benefited from the initiative.
Mining areas often face groundwater contamination, particularly high iron content, making water unsafe for consumption. To address this issue, the H&UD Department has established dedicated drinking water supply projects in Sundargarh, Rajgangpur, and Biramitrapur municipalities, along with the Rourkela Municipal Corporation. These projects extract river water through intake wells, ensuring that the Drink from Tap model delivers clean, uninterrupted drinking water that meets safe water quality standards.
Each household under the DFT initiative is equipped with a meter to track water consumption, helping to reduce wastage and enhance water management. In addition, women self-help groups (WSHGs) have been engaged to record meter readings, collect water bills, and monitor water quality using testing kits. This initiative not only improves water security but also provides livelihood opportunities for WSHG members.
Since the Drink from Tap project’s implementation, households have been able to directly consume tap water, reducing the need for storage and treatment while also lowering the incidence of waterborne diseases.
The OMBADC’s efforts in Sundargarh set a model for other mineral-rich regions facing similar challenges. By integrating technology, policy support, and community involvement, Odisha is making significant strides toward universal access to safe drinking water, ensuring long-term sustainability and public health benefits for residents.