In a significant development for rural infrastructure, Odisha has made substantial progress in providing tap water connections to households across the state. According to Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V Somanna, who presented the data in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, out of 88.65 lakh rural households in Odisha, provision for tap water connections is now available to 68.45 lakh households. This translates to an impressive coverage rate of 77.21% as of January 28.
Government Initiatives for Drinking Water Access
Responding to a question from MP Muzibulla Khan, Minister Somanna elaborated on the various initiatives undertaken by the state government to ensure drinking water access, particularly in the KBK districts (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput region). These efforts include the implementation of mega piped water supply projects, village-level schemes, and innovative solar-powered water systems designed for areas with difficult terrain.
Special Focus on Challenging Terrains
For regions facing accessibility issues and rugged landscapes, the government has specifically sanctioned solar-based water supply projects. This approach ensures that even the most remote and topographically challenging areas receive reliable drinking water, leveraging renewable energy to overcome infrastructure hurdles.
Irrigation Projects Under PMKSY
As informed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), eight major irrigation projects have been prioritized under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) programme. These projects are crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and water management in the state.
- Upper Indravati project
- Rukura-Tribal irrigation scheme
- RET Irrigation initiative
- Telengiri project
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to improve water availability for farming communities, supporting rural livelihoods and food security.
Substantial Financial Support from Central Government
The central government has provided significant financial backing to Odisha's water infrastructure projects. Minister Somanna highlighted that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a total of Rs 7,712.07 crore has been released to the state from the fiscal year 2019-20 to 2024-25.
Additionally, the allocation includes:
- Rs 1,208.86 crore for PMKSY-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) projects
- Rs 131.96 crore under the Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) scheme
This financial infusion underscores the collaborative efforts between state and central authorities to address water scarcity and improve rural living standards.
Groundwater Management and Recharge Plans
To ensure sustainable water resources, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has prepared a comprehensive Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater-2020. This plan proposes the construction of approximately 22,000 structures in Odisha, aimed at enhancing groundwater levels and quality.
The CGWB regularly monitors groundwater levels and quality, conducting annual assessments of dynamic groundwater resources. These scientific evaluations support informed planning and sustainable groundwater management practices across the state, including Odisha, as emphasized by the minister.
The combined efforts of mega projects, solar innovations, and robust financial support are paving the way for improved water security in Odisha's rural areas, marking a transformative step in public welfare and infrastructure development.
