Bhubaneswar: A high-level delegation from the Indore Municipal Corporation held a strategic consultation with Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Department on Friday, exploring the replication of the state’s flagship ‘Drink From Tap’ (DFT) initiative and its 24×7 urban water supply model.
The delegation, led by Indore Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal, met Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee at Unnati Bhawan following an extensive exposure visit to study Odisha’s urban water reforms implemented by Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
During the meeting, Padhee highlighted that Odisha’s urban transformation rests on a dual foundation of advanced technology and strong community engagement. She said the state is committed to sharing best practices and added that the Odisha Urban Academy is equipped to provide training and capacity-building support to cities seeking to adopt similar citizen-centric water management systems.
The consultation followed field visits by the delegation to key project sites. In Puri—the country’s first city to ensure round-the-clock quality drinking water supply—the team inspected a Water Treatment Plant and interacted with ‘Jala Sathis’, gaining insights into community-led service delivery mechanisms.
In Bhubaneswar, the delegation visited Salia Sahi to assess inclusive water supply models in informal settlements, aimed at ensuring equitable access. The team also toured the SCADA-based Command and Control Centre to observe real-time monitoring systems, including pressure management, smart metering and automated quality control that enable uninterrupted water supply.
Singhal lauded Odisha’s model, stating that the integration of technology with grassroots participation offers valuable lessons for Indore. Officials of WATCO reiterated that while robust infrastructure forms the backbone of 24×7 supply, sustained public awareness and community engagement are critical to achieving the ‘Drink From Tap’ vision.
Officials said the Housing and Urban Development Department, WATCO and Indore Municipal Corporation will continue their engagement to carry forward mutual learnings and strengthen urban water systems across cities.
