Bhubaneswar, 07 January (H.S.): he Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar city and adjoining areas, prepared by the Odisha Water Corporation (WATCO), was reviewed by Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, at a meeting held in Kharabela Bhawan.

During the review Padhee directed WATCO to prioritize and expedite all ongoing and proposed water supply projects to meet the growing urban demand arising from rapid population growth and future expansion of Bhubaneswar. Additional Secretary Subhananda Mohapatra, Managing Director WATCO Shri Debabrata Mohanty, and other senior officials were present.

The WATCO Managing Director presented the current water supply scenario, highlighting the demand–supply gap and planned infrastructure augmentation in line with the visions of Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047. Operational and administrative challenges were also discussed, with a decision to escalate issues to appropriate authorities for early resolution to avoid project delays.

Acknowledging increasing water stress due to urbanization, climate variability, and seasonal shortages, the Principal Secretary directed WATCO to conduct a comprehensive survey of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha, particularly those facing acute summer drinking water shortages. The survey will assess source sustainability, treatment and storage capacity, distribution efficiency, and peak seasonal demand to enable targeted interventions and better emergency preparedness.

The population of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation area has grown from 8.40 lakh (2011 Census) to an estimated 13.03 lakh in 2025. The city’s current water demand stands at 304 MLD against an existing supply capacity of 238.50 MLD, leaving a gap of 65.50 MLD, presently managed through groundwater sources. Water is supplied through six Water Treatment Plants drawing from the Mahanadi, Kuakhai, and Daya rivers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda