Berhampur Faces Drinking Water Crisis Amid Controversy Over 24×7 Supply Projects

Beneath Berhampur’s bustling streets lies a critical drinking water crisis affecting over 50,000 households daily. Despite being one of Odisha’s major urban centers, the city struggles with inadequate, intermittent, and contaminated water supply, conflicting sharply with the state government’s ambitious “Drink from Tap” mission.

Current Water Supply Shortages

Berhampur requires 90 million litres per day (MLD) to ensure a 24×7 water supply, but current infrastructure delivers only 70 MLD from Jagadalapur and Dakhinapur reservoirs. Residents often receive water for only 1.5 hours per day, with frequent disruptions due to power failures and leaky pipelines.

Dr. Satya Brahma, founder of Network 7 Media Group, calls the situation “a crisis of dignity, not just scarcity,” highlighting the social and health consequences of insufficient supply.

Infrastructure Failures and Health Risks

A Rs 46 lakh underground sump, designed to serve 20 streets, remains idle, reflecting administrative neglect. Aging pipelines leak contaminants, posing serious public health risks, while citywide coverage hovers around 70%.

Many residents rely on public standposts, tankers, or unsafe ponds, with long queues and growing frustration. Reports from Youth For Social Development and PPP in India emphasize that intermittent supply and outdated infrastructure contribute to waterborne illnesses.

The Drink from Tap Mission and Pilot Projects

Launched in 2019, Odisha’s Drink from Tap Mission aims to provide safe, 24×7 piped water to all urban households. In Berhampur, over 54,500 households are already covered, including areas like Gouri Nagar, Anand Nagar, Ram Nagar, and Jaleshwarkhandi.

Pilot projects have shown promise, offering treated water directly from taps, eliminating the need for boiling or filtering. Innovative solutions like Air-to-Water ATMs, which extract moisture from air, are being deployed in public spaces to supplement supply.

Lessons from Indore and Broader National Context

The December 2025 Indore tragedy, where at least 10 people died after consuming contaminated water in Bhagirathpura, underscores the dangers of intermittent water supply. Experts like Senior IAS officer Srinivas Chary Vedala explain that limited-flow systems create negative pressure, drawing contaminated groundwater or sewage into pipelines.

The AMRUT 2.0 mission, launched in 2021, promotes 24×7 supply projects with outcome-based incentives. However, many cities have failed to implement continuous supply, leaving residents vulnerable to contamination.

Water and sanitation expert Vishwanath S. notes that intermittent supply, aging pipelines, and lack of pressure management remain the main risks, while GIS-based leak detection and digital twin systems cannot fully compensate for structural deficiencies.

Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement in Berhampur

Serious allegations have been raised against former H&UD Secretary G. Mathivathanan regarding the implementation of 24×7 Water Supply Projects, Janibili Project, and Drink from Tap Mission in Berhampur.

Claims include:

• Misappropriation of ₹1,000 crore sanctioned between 2018–2025 for urban water projects

• Non-functional projects projected as successfully completed

• Deliberate destruction of records via a man-made fire in January 2024

Authorities are being urged to initiate a vigilance inquiry to establish accountability and ensure transparency in public infrastructure execution.

The Road Ahead

Berhampur’s water crisis reflects both systemic infrastructure failures and administrative lapses. Experts argue that achieving 24×7 safe water supply will require:

• Overhauling aging pipelines

• Plugging leaks and expanding treatment capacity

• Monitoring sewage networks to prevent contamination at the source

• Decentralised network management for smaller, manageable water systems

While the Drink from Tap Mission shows promise, the city remains caught between the pipes of the past and the promise of the future.

Conclusion

Berhampur stands at a critical crossroads. For thousands of residents, access to clean water is still a daily struggle. Achieving continuous, safe piped water is not just a matter of infrastructure but of dignity, public health, and trust in governance. The success of Odisha’s ambitious water reforms will depend on transparent implementation, structural overhauls, and accountability for past mismanagement.