Transformative Workshop on Grey Water Management Sheds Light on Urban Odisha’s Sustainable Future

Bhubaneswar: Odisha could emerge as a guiding light for the nation experts shared while attending a state-level workshop on Grey Water Management held here in the city.

Addressing the gathering, G Mathivathanan, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development department emphasized the urgent need for effective grey water management in urban areas, in compliance with the honorable NGT’s (National Green Tribunal) directive to refrain from discharging polluted used water into water bodies.

Grey water refers to the utilized water released from bathrooms, laundries, and kitchen outlets.

He highlighted the transformative urban initiatives taken under 5T governance mandate. “Odisha’s initiatives have garnered national appreciation and global recognition. Successful pilot projects on greywater management have been executed in Jatani and Dhenkanal ULBs (Urban Local Bodies). An Expert Committee, appointed as per the NGT’s directions, visited the pilot area of Jatani Municipality and submitted their recommendations. As the next step, this scheme will be implemented in 11 Lighthouse ULBs, which will serve as trailblazers for neighboring ULBs,” he shared.

Mathivathanan emphasized that Odisha’s innovative approach to “Greywater Management,” designed by state officials with community participation at its core, would not only be unique to the state but also serve as a model for cities outside Odisha. “Under this approach, greywater will be managed at the household, lane or street, community, and outfall levels,” he said.

Sangramjit Nayak, Director of Municipal Administration, highlighted the success of the pilot projects in managing greywater. The 11 selected ULBs demonstrated exceptional teamwork and potential to take on the new challenge of Greywater Management. He applauded the efforts of ULB officials in implementing various initiatives of the Urban Development Department. Following the successful pilot projects, the decision was made to scale up greywater management efforts in the 11 Lighthouse ULBs, designated as torchbearers for the state.

Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra, EIC of OWSSB, delivered a presentation on the accomplishments of the greywater management program in Jatani and Dhenkanal, executed by ULB teams since September 2021. Sarada Prasad Panda, Joint Secretary & Nodal Officer of MUKTA, provided an insightful presentation on how the program would be implemented under MUKTA.

Officers from Angul, Balasore, Bargarh, Chatrapur, Dhenkanal, Hinjilicut, Jajpur, Jatni, Keonjhar, Koraput, and Nayagarh ULBs actively attended the orientation program alongside TULIP professionals.