TNI Bureau: In a significant step towards strengthening water management in Odisha, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of Odisha in New Delhi for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The programme was held virtually, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attending from Lok Seva Bhavan, while Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and Minister of State B. Somananna joined from New Delhi.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the Jal Jeevan Mission under his visionary leadership. He stated that 77.3% of households in the country have already received tap water connections. The extension of the mission till 2028, approved by the Union Cabinet, is a major step towards achieving the goal of “Har Ghar Jal.”

He further informed that the state has prepared a clear roadmap under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on public participation, financial sustainability, and proper maintenance through an Operation & Maintenance policy. Around 5,000 rural piped water supply schemes have been integrated into the Sujalam platform with proper financial convergence.

Odisha is ensuring 70 litres of drinking water per person per day, with the state contributing nearly 40% of the total expenditure. Citizen-centric services have been strengthened through Basudha helpline, WhatsApp services, and digital grievance platforms.

At the grassroots level, public participation has increased through Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), and “Jal Arpan Diwas” has been successfully observed in 25 out of 30 districts.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the mission has significantly improved the lives of women by eliminating the need to travel long distances for water. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan has evolved into a mass movement in Odisha, with major achievements including over 2.21 lakh water conservation structures, restoration of more than 43,000 water bodies, 42,000 groundwater recharge systems, over 2 lakh watershed works, and plantation of more than 2 crore trees.

Union Minister C.R. Patil stated that the mission, launched in 2024, has now been extended for 2026–2028 under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. He emphasized that the initiative will improve women’s lives and ensure water availability in scarcity-prone areas of Odisha.

The event was also attended by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Ravi Narayan Naik, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Ashok Meena, Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Shashwat Mishra, Finance Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, and other senior officials.