Mega Drinking Water Project Launched in Joranda Mahimagadi

Bhubaneswar, Feb 10 : The much-anticipated mega drinking water project, with a capacity of 35 lakh liters per day, has been officially launched in Joranda Mahimagadi, located in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, under the Modi government’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a video message on Monday, expressed his joy over the commencement of the project, stating that it fulfills the long-standing demand of the Mahima society. He extended his greetings to the saints and devotees of Joranda Gadi, a prominent pilgrimage site of Mahima Dharma.

Highlighting the historical significance of Joranda Gadi, Pradhan remarked that it was not only the center of Mahima Dharma but was also once a hub of education and knowledge in Odisha. The revered preacher of Mahima Dharma, Santakavi Bhima Bhoi, initiated an influential movement of education and spirituality from this sacred land.

The mega drinking water project has been made possible with a financial contribution of ₹10.34 crore from public sector enterprise ONGC under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The project has the capacity to store 10 lakh liters of water daily, ensuring round-the-clock supply of clean drinking water to 10 monasteries, public places, and pilgrimage grounds, including both small and large monasteries. This initiative will benefit more than 12,000 people from 13 villages, with 20% of the beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The significance of the project is further amplified by the fact that around 2 lakh tourists and devotees from Odisha and neighboring states visit Joranda every year, especially during the Maghamela festival. The newly launched project will play a crucial role in addressing the drinking water needs of visitors and local residents alike.

Congratulating the Mahima Samaj on the launch of this essential infrastructure, Pradhan expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Dhenkanal district administration, and ONGC for their financial support in making this project a reality.

Earlier, devotees and the local public had raised concerns over the acute drinking water shortage at Mahimagadi in Joranda. Following this, Union Minister Pradhan directed ONGC to undertake the development of a dedicated drinking water supply system at Joranda Mutt, ensuring a sustainable solution to the long-persisting issue.