Odisha Launches Mega Drinking Water Projects to Benefit 157 Villages in Puri District

Bhubaneswar: Taking a major step toward ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water in rural areas, the Odisha government today laid the foundation stones for mega piped drinking water projects in Puri-Sadar, Gop, and Nimapara blocks of Puri district.

These projects, with a total investment of Rs. 213.98 crore, will draw water from the Bhargavi River and are expected to benefit 157 villages across 28 gram panchayats. The foundation-laying ceremony was led by Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.

Once completed, the projects will provide safe drinking water to: 67 villages in 12 panchayats of Puri-Sadar block, 84 villages in 14 panchayats of Gop block, 6 villages in 2 panchayats of Nimapara block.

Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Parvati Parida described the initiative as a reflection of the people’s aspirations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure. Minister Rabi Narayan Naik assured that the projects would be completed on schedule, ensuring that residents receive a reliable and sustainable water supply.

Senior officials, including Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Secretary SN Girish, Director of Drinking Water and Sanitation Vinit Bhardwaj, and engineers from the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) department, were present at the event.

With these drinking water projects, the Odisha government continues its mission to enhance basic amenities in rural areas, ensuring that villages in Puri district have access to clean and safe drinking water for years to come.