Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday launched the statewide ‘Sujala’ campaign in Bhubaneswar, calling upon citizens to adopt responsible water-use practices and make water conservation an integral part of their daily lives.
Organised by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) under the Housing & Urban Development Department of Odisha, the campaign will run from October 2 to 16 across the state.
Inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, the campaign aims to create widespread public awareness about water conservation, the importance of safe drinking water and the prevention of waterborne diseases. It seeks to promote collective responsibility for protecting precious water resources, preventing water wastage and ensuring the availability of safe water for present and future generations.
Centred on the theme “Water Conservation—A Necessity Today, the Destiny of Future Generations,” the campaign will encourage citizens to use water judiciously and embrace simple, sustainable practices in their homes and communities. It underscores the importance of public participation in conserving water and building healthier, cleaner and more sustainable urban environments.
A key focus of the campaign is the vital relationship between safe drinking water and public health. Citizens will be sensitised to the risks associated with contaminated water, including diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid and jaundice. Awareness activities will highlight the importance of storing drinking water in clean, covered containers, maintaining household hygiene, keeping water sources free from pollution and ensuring the safe handling of drinking water.
The campaign will also encourage citizens to adopt practical water-saving measures, such as turning off taps when not in use, promptly repairing leaking taps and pipelines, and avoiding the disposal of waste near rivers, ponds, tube wells and other water sources. These simple steps can significantly contribute to reducing water wastage and protecting the quality of available water resources.
In addition, emphasis will be placed on promoting rainwater harvesting, reusing water wherever feasible, and regularly cleaning and maintaining household overhead and underground water storage tanks. Citizens will be encouraged to remain vigilant about drinking water quality and follow hygienic practices to minimise the risk of contamination.
The campaign’s motto, “Water Supply Is Our Responsibility; Water Conservation Is Your Duty,” highlights the complementary roles of the government and citizens in ensuring sustainable water management. While public utilities are responsible for providing a regular and safe water supply, the judicious use of water, prevention of wastage and protection of water sources require the active participation of every citizen.
To strengthen citizen engagement and facilitate the resolution of water-supply-related grievances, the department has urged people to make use of its toll-free helpline numbers, 155359 and 1800-1216-833, to report issues and seek assistance.
The government of Odisha has appealed to citizens across the state to participate wholeheartedly in the ‘Sujala’ campaign and translate its message into everyday action. Through responsible water use, improved hygiene, protection of water sources and collective public participation, the campaign seeks to conserve precious water resources, safeguard public health and foster a culture of sustainability in Odisha’s cities.