Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward enhancing water access in Odisha, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Empowerment, and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, reviewed the progress of mega pipe water supply projects in Balangir and Sonepur districts on Saturday.
The state is currently executing 20 mega pipe water supply projects in rural regions of these districts, with 14 in Balangir and six in Sonepur. Additionally, eight projects are underway in urban areas, aimed at resolving drinking water shortages and boosting agricultural irrigation.
During the review, Singh Deo underscored the importance of these projects for addressing critical needs in the districts. He highlighted that their completion would not only provide reliable drinking water to residents but also significantly enhance irrigation facilities, supporting farmers in these predominantly agrarian districts.
“We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our people and ensuring the prosperity of our farmers. Timely completion of these projects is crucial to achieving these goals,” Singh Deo stated.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to accelerate the pace of work and ensure regular monitoring through on-site visits. According to the project timeline, most initiatives are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, bringing much-needed relief to the residents of Balangir and Sonepur.
Key officials, including Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Usha Padhee, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department SN Girish, and Director of Drinking Water Vineet Bhardwaj, participated in the meeting. They provided a detailed briefing on the progress, outlining the measures in place to meet project deadlines and ensure quality execution.
The water supply projects are part of Odisha’s larger efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve irrigation, and ensure sustainable water availability, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the holistic development of its rural and urban areas.
