Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of Odisha on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi for the effective implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 in the state.
The virtual event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi from Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, and Minister of State B. Sommana from New Delhi.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Majhi said the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched under his leadership, has so far provided tap water connections to 77.3 per cent of households across the country. He noted that the Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the mission till 2028, terming it a major step towards achieving the goal of “Har Ghar Jal”.
The Chief Minister said Odisha has prepared a comprehensive roadmap under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on community participation, financial sustainability, and infrastructure maintenance through its Operation & Maintenance Policy. Around 5,000 rural piped water supply schemes in the state have been assigned unique IDs on the Sujalam Bharat platform, with financial convergence achieved for all schemes.
He added that the state is ensuring supply of 70 litres of drinking water per capita per day, with Odisha contributing nearly 40 per cent of the mission’s funding. Citizen-centric services have been strengthened through initiatives such as the Basudha Helpline, WhatsApp-based services, and a digital grievance redressal platform.
Grassroots participation has been enhanced through Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), while “Jal Arpan Divas” has already been observed in 25 districts and will soon cover the remaining areas.
Highlighting the social impact, Majhi said the mission has significantly reduced the burden on women by eliminating the need to travel long distances for water. He added that the Jal Shakti Abhiyan has evolved into a mass movement in Odisha, leading to the creation of 2.21 lakh water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures, restoration of over 43,000 water bodies, construction of 42,000 groundwater recharge structures, and execution of more than 2 lakh watershed projects. Over 2 crore trees have also been planted under the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Patil said the scheme, extended under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, aims to improve water availability in water-scarce regions of Odisha and further enhance the quality of life, particularly for women.
The programme was also attended by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India Ashok Meena, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Finance Principal Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department Girish S. N., among other senior officials.
