Odisha earmarks Rs 54,000 crore for piped water to all villages by March 20The Odisha government has earmarked Rs 54,000 crore to provide safe and adequate piped drinking water to all villages across the state by March 2027, officials said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting of the rural drinking water supply system under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

According to an official statement, the Chief Minister directed officials to implement the programme in mission mode to ensure timely completion of projects and universal coverage within the stipulated deadline. He emphasised the need for strict monitoring, quality control and speedy execution to avoid delays.

Majhi also asked the department to prioritise villages facing acute drinking water shortages and ensure sustainable water sources for long-term supply. Stressing the importance of safe drinking water for public health and rural development, he said access to clean water is a fundamental necessity and a key component of the government’s commitment to improving quality of life in rural areas.

Senior officials briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of ongoing rural water supply projects, coverage status and challenges in implementation. The government aims to strengthen infrastructure, including the installation of piped water systems and household tap connections, to achieve the target within the next two years.

The move is expected to significantly enhance rural infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water access to millions of households across Odisha.