Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has reviewed the Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar city and adjoining areas, prepared by the WATCO. Principal Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee reviewed the plan at a meeting held on Tuesday in Bhubaneswar.
Additional Secretary Subhananda Mohapatra, MD WATCO Debabrata Mohanty and other officers were present in the meeting held in Kharabela Bhawan.
During the review, Padhee directed WATCO to prioritise all ongoing and proposed water supply projects and ensure their completion within the stipulated timelines, keeping in view the rapidly growing population of Bhubaneswar and future urban expansion.
Managing Director of WATCO made a detailed presentation on the existing water supply scenario, demand–supply gap, and planned infrastructure augmentation, aligned with the vision of Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047. He also highlighted certain operational and administrative challenges faced during project implementation. It was decided to escalate such issues to the appropriate authorities for early resolution and proceed with the projects without delay.
Focus on Urban Local Bodies Across Odisha
Recognising increasing water stress due to rapid urbanization, climate variability, and seasonal shortages, the Principal Secretary directed WATCO to undertake a comprehensive survey of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha, particularly those facing acute drinking water problems during the summer months.
The survey will assess source sustainability, treatment and storage capacity, distribution efficiency, and peak seasonal demand, enabling the State Government to prioritize interventions, strengthen emergency preparedness, and plan targeted investments.
Water Supply Status of Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area has witnessed rapid population growth from 8.40 lakh (Census 2011) to an estimated 13.03 lakh in 2025. At present, the city’s water demand is 304 MLD, against an existing supply capacity of 238.50 MLD, resulting in a gap of 65.50 MLD which is managed through ground water system.
Currently, water is supplied through six Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) located at Mundali, Palasuni, Chandrasekharpur, Naharkanta, Bhuasuni, and High-Level Tank systems drawing water from Mahanadi, Kuakhai, and Daya rivers.
Future Augmentation Plan
To bridge the demand–supply gap and meet long-term requirements:
• A 130 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Mundali is expected to be commissioned within the next six months.
• A 20 MLD WTP at Naharkanta is planned for commissioning by 2028.
• A proposal will be submitted to the Water Resources Department for lifting 1000 MLD of raw water from the Mahanadi River at Mundali to cater to the city’s water demand for the next 50 years, to be developed in two phases.
• For achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, an additional 400 MLD WTP is planned.
Upon commissioning of the upcoming 130 MLD Mundali WTP, WATCO will be able to ensure water supply to all apartments and institutional establishments in Bhubaneswar city, significantly improving service coverage and reliability.
The review reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustainable, reliable, and future-ready water infrastructure for Bhubaneswar and surrounding urban areas.
