Indore Delegation Studies Odisha’s ‘Drink From Tap’ Model for Possible Replication

Bhubaneswar: A high-level delegation from the Indore Municipal Corporation on Friday held a strategic consultation with Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Department to explore the replication of the state’s flagship ‘Drink From Tap’ (DFT) initiative and its 24×7 urban water supply model.

The delegation, led by Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal, met Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee at Unnati Bhawan after an extensive exposure visit to study Odisha’s urban water reforms implemented by the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

During the meeting, Padhee highlighted that Odisha’s urban transformation is driven by a combination of advanced technology and strong community participation. She noted that the state is open to sharing its best practices and added that the Odisha Urban Academy is equipped to provide training and capacity-building support to cities aiming to adopt similar citizen-centric water management systems.

The consultation followed field visits by the delegation to key project sites. In Puri—the country’s first city to ensure round-the-clock quality drinking water supply—the team inspected a water treatment plant and interacted with ‘Jala Sathis’ to understand community-led service delivery.

In Bhubaneswar, the delegation visited Salia Sahi to assess inclusive water supply systems in informal settlements, ensuring equitable access. They also toured the SCADA-based Command and Control Centre to observe real-time monitoring mechanisms such as pressure management, smart metering, and automated quality control that enable uninterrupted supply.

Singhal praised Odisha’s model, stating that its integration of technology with grassroots participation offers valuable insights for Indore. Officials of WATCO reiterated that while strong infrastructure is essential, sustained public awareness and community engagement remain key to achieving the ‘Drink From Tap’ vision.

Officials said the Housing and Urban Development Department, WATCO, and the Indore Municipal Corporation will continue to collaborate, sharing knowledge and strengthening urban water systems across cities.