Drinking Water Supply: Naveen Directs Officials To Identify Hot Spots In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: With the summer setting in early and the average temperature during the season likely to be higher than previous years, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday directed the officials to identify the hot spots having drinking water crisis and take immediate remedial measures.

Reviewing the drinking water situation in urban and rural areas in the state on virtual, the chief minister directed the panchayats and civic bodies to submit proof of their 100% preparedness.

Directing to set up a flawless system to get the complaints of the people, he told the senior officers including chief secretary and district collectors to take stern action against the officials neglecting their duty in this regard.

Claiming that the government is spending huge amount to ensure supply of drinking water, Naveen said 89 large projects with an investment of Rs 17,000 crore is functioning now and all villages will be extended facility by 2024. Similarly, Rs 3800 crore has been invested in urban areas for drinking water.

It was revealed at the meeting that against the daily demand of 1088 million litre of drinking water, 1093 million litre are supplied in urban areas in the state. While pipe water connection was given to 3 lakh households in 2016, now 8.3 lakh houses have got the connection.

Speaking at the meeting, principal secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh said while 81% of population in the country are getting 40 litre water daily, Odisha has achieved 100% coverage.

Keeping the harsh days ahead, all pipe water supply points and tubewells are being checked and mobile vans and teams prepared, he added.

Chie secretary Suresh Chandra Msohapatra also spoke at the meeting which was coordinated by 5T secretary VK Pandian.