Chief Secretary Reviews Progress of Rural Drinking Water Projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday reviewed the progress of rural drinking water projects that are under implementation and construction across Odisha. The review meeting was held at the conference hall of Lok Seva Bhavan, where the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department presented a detailed status report on water supply initiatives in the state.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, S.N. Girish, along with senior engineers including Chief Engineers, Assistant Chief Engineers and Assistant Executive Engineers from various districts. Officials briefed the Chief Secretary on the implementation status and challenges of ongoing projects.

Emphasising the need to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, Chief Secretary Garg directed officials to promptly resolve issues in areas where projects have already been implemented. She also stressed the importance of expediting construction work to meet set deadlines and ensure timely delivery of services to the public.

During the review, it was informed that significant progress has been made in strengthening rural water infrastructure. A total of 18,233 projects have been completed under the Single Village Piped Water Supply Project, while 872 projects are currently under implementation. Under the Solar Drinking Water Project, 6,435 projects have been completed and 2,189 are under execution.

Officials further informed that under schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Vasudha, Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and projects approved by the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC) through the State Finance Commission, 26 out of 207 mega projects have been completed, while 181 mega projects are presently under construction.

The meeting also reviewed 134 projects that have achieved more than 50 per cent completion. The Chief Secretary conducted a detailed district-wise review to identify reasons behind delays, with special focus on 15 mega projects in Rayagada, 11 in Mayurbhanj, and 10 in Sundargarh districts.

A comprehensive review of mega piped water supply projects in all other districts was also carried out. Officials were instructed to adhere strictly to project timelines. The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department stated that regular inter-departmental reviews are being conducted to ensure early completion and effective implementation of drinking water projects across the state.