Indore Delegation Studies Odisha’s ‘Drink From Tap’ and 24×7 Water Supply Model

High-Level Meeting at Unnati Bhawan
A high-level delegation from the Indore Municipal Corporation visited Bhubaneswar to study Odisha’s pioneering urban water initiatives. The team met Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, at Unnati Bhawan for a strategic consultation on water management reforms.

The delegation, led by Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal, explored the implementation and scalability of the ‘Drink From Tap’ (DFT) initiative and the 24×7 water supply system managed by WATCO.

Focus on Technology and Community Participation
During the meeting, Usha Padhee highlighted that Odisha’s success in urban transformation is driven by a combination of advanced technology and strong community engagement. She emphasized the state’s willingness to share its best practices and informed that the Odisha Urban Academy is ready to support other cities with training and capacity-building initiatives.

The discussion underscored how citizen participation, along with high technical standards, has helped Odisha set a national benchmark in sustainable urban service delivery.

Field Visit to Puri: India’s First 24×7 Water City
As part of their visit, the delegation toured Puri, which is recognized as India’s first city to provide continuous 24×7 safe drinking water. The team inspected the Water Treatment Plant and interacted with Jala Sathis, gaining insights into how community involvement ensures the system’s long-term sustainability.

Exploring Inclusive Water Models in Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, the delegation visited Salia Sahi to observe inclusive water service models designed for urban informal settlements. The initiative ensures equitable access to safe drinking water for all sections of society.

They also explored the advanced SCADA-based Command and Control Centre, where real-time monitoring of water supply, pressure management, smart metering, and automated quality checks are carried out to maintain uninterrupted services.

Odisha Model Praised for Innovation and Efficiency
Kshitij Singhal praised the Odisha model, noting that the integration of cutting-edge technology with grassroots participation offers valuable lessons for cities like Indore. Officials from WATCO also emphasized that while infrastructure is crucial, sustained public awareness and community engagement are key to the success of the ‘Drink From Tap’ initiative.

Towards Collaborative Urban Development
The visit marks a significant step in inter-state knowledge sharing. The Housing and Urban Development Department, WATCO, and Indore Municipal Corporation are expected to continue their collaboration, aiming to replicate Odisha’s successful model and strengthen urban water systems across cities in India.