Bhubaneswar: Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister, Rabi Narayan Naik, on Monday reviewed the progress of various Mega Piped Water Supply (PWS) projects across the state and directed officials and executing agencies to expedite the remaining works to ensure timely delivery of safe drinking water to rural households.
The review meeting was held at the State Rural Development Institute (SIRD) in Bhubaneswar, where the implementation status, physical progress and adherence to project timelines were discussed in detail.
Officials informed the Minister that 36 Mega Piped Water Supply projects have already been completed in the state. In addition, intake structures and Water Treatment Plant (WTP) works have been completed in another 50 projects.
Emphasising the state’s commitment to providing uninterrupted and safe drinking water to rural residents, Naik instructed all Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) divisions and executing agencies to accelerate the pace of work and complete the pending components at the earliest.
The Minister said all Mega PWS projects must be completed by March 2027 in line with the directions of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He warned that agencies failing to meet the stipulated deadlines would face strict action, including imposition of penalties and blacklisting.
Naik also directed officials to ensure adequate deployment of manpower, strengthen regular monitoring mechanisms and maintain quality standards during project execution.
The review meeting was attended by Departmental Secretary Girish S.N., Drinking Water Director Vinit Bhardwaj, Chief Engineer Ratnakar Sial, superintending engineers of various RWSS divisions and senior officials of agencies executing the mega water supply projects.
