Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Sujal Mission that aims to provide quality tapped drinking water to more than 1.5 million people in urban Odisha.
“The initiative will be executed in a phased manner in other districts across the State. Drinking water is a key element for a healthy living. In many advanced countries, people use water directly from the tap as it is safe and pure,” said Patnaik.
The program was held virtually with the Chief Minister concluding proceedings from the Naveen Niwas and other officials present at Bhubaneswar and Puri. The project once completed will benefit people across fifteen urban areas in the state.
As per reports, Mission Sujal will include a 24X7 helpline center with IVRS for grievance redressal and quick response teams for redressal of water supply complaints.
“Bhubaneswar is the first city in the country (over 10 lakh population) to have 100 percent piped water facility. By March 2022, households in all urban areas will have piped water connection. The Drink From Tap Mission will be executed in 15 cities in the State which will benefit over 15 lakh people. The State government will spend Rs 1300 crore for the project,” said the Chief Minister.
Commenting on the occasion, Housing and Urban Development Minister Pratap Jena, said, “Under this initiative, people will no longer have to worry about the quality of water. Odisha is the first State to launch the unique project in the country”.
He went on to add that it’s a historic day for Odisha as lakhs of people will benefit from the project.