Bhubaneswar, 02 May (H.S.): Odisha has emerged as one of the top-performing states in the country under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0), driven by an intensified focus on urban water security and infrastructure development.

According to official sources, the state government has accelerated the implementation of the scheme across 89 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), rolling out 345 projects with a total investment of ₹4,030.18 crore. Of these, 107 projects have already been completed, while the remaining are progressing under close monitoring.

Water security remains a central pillar of the initiative. The government has commissioned seven new water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 43 million litres per day (MLD), benefiting nearly 2.83 lakh residents. In addition, the expansion of 24x7 water supply systems and the provision of over 2.7 lakh household tap connections have improved access to safe drinking water for more than 5 lakh urban citizens.

The programme has also emphasized community participation, with initiatives such as “AMRUT Mitra” and “Women for Tree” engaging women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in waterbody rejuvenation and environmental sustainability efforts. Convergence with national initiatives like Pey Jal Survekshan and Jal Hi AMRUT has further strengthened water management and reuse practices.

To support long-term urban transformation, the state is leveraging innovative financing mechanisms. Under the “Credit Enhancement Initiative,” 16 bankable projects worth ₹70.27 crore have been prepared for smaller ULBs. Additionally, five major infrastructure projects worth ₹3,030.61 crore have been submitted under the “Urban Challenge Fund” for key cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Berhampur.

State Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra attributed the achievement to strong political will and effective governance. He said the government is committed to delivering sustainable and inclusive urban development, ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water for all households.

He further emphasized that the focus remains on time-bound execution, accountability, and building future-ready infrastructure to improve the quality of life for citizens, aligning with the broader vision of a “Viksit Odisha.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda