Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched ‘Sujal’- Drink from Tap initiative to ensure 24×7 quality drinking water to more than 15 lakh people of urban areas across Odisha.
On the occasion, Naveen dedicated 24×7 drinking water supply to 12 pilot areas of Bhubaneswar and Puri, benefiting 1.8 lakh population, through videoconferencing.
“The initiative will be executed in a phased manner in other districts across the state. Drinking water is a key element for healthy living. In many advanced countries, people use water directly from the tap as it is safe and pure,” he said.
Water supply augmentation work in 15 towns with a project outlay of Rs 1300 crore, benefiting 15 lakh people, and water metering work at four places (Bhubaneswar, Puri, Rourkela and Berhampur), covering 3 lakh connections and 22 lakh population, have also begun.
According to official sources, 100 per cent household water supply connection has been achieved in Bhubaneswar, Gopalpur, Digapahandi, and Kashinagar.
The initiative also features 24×7 helpline centre with IVRS for grievance redressal and quick response team for rapid redressal of water supply complaints.