Odisha CM Inaugurates State-Level World Water Day 2026 Celebrations

The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the state-level celebrations of World Water Day 2026 at the Lokseva Bhavan Convention Center today. The event highlighted the importance of water conservation, equitable water distribution, and sustainable water management initiatives across Odisha.

Major Water Projects Launched and Laid Foundation Stones

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for 17 new projects worth approximately ₹2,292 crore and inaugurated 124 projects valued at around ₹320 crore. These projects aim to strengthen water security, improve irrigation, and provide clean drinking water to every household in the state.

CM Emphasizes No Wastage of Water

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi urged citizens to pledge against water wastage, stressing that “even a single drop of water is precious.” He highlighted the need to instill water conservation awareness among children, making them “water soldiers of tomorrow.”

Focus on Clean Drinking Water and Gender Equality

The Chief Minister reiterated Odisha’s commitment to provide piped clean drinking water to every home. He also emphasized gender equity in water management, training women through initiatives like Catch the Rain to ensure quality water testing and proper management at the community level.

Inauguration of Kalika Child Care Center and AI-Enabled Citizen Feedback System

CM Majhi inaugurated the Kalika Child Care Center at Rajiv Bhavan and launched a pilot of the AI-enabled citizen feedback chatbot ‘Bindu’. These initiatives aim to improve service delivery, monitor water projects, and strengthen citizen engagement in governance.

Collaboration with Central Water Commission and Other Initiatives

The program also saw the unveiling of the ‘Sujala’ Coffee Table Book and river maps, reflecting Odisha’s progress in water management. The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives such as canal lining systems, rehabilitation programs, and smart irrigation projects covering over 220,000 hectares, improving water availability for agriculture and domestic use.

Vision for a Prosperous and Water-Secure Odisha

CM Majhi emphasized that water security is a cornerstone for a prosperous and developed Odisha. The state government aims to provide clean water to underserved regions, implement efficient groundwater recharge, and promote sustainable crop irrigation strategies.

He also underlined Odisha’s long-term water vision through Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047, aiming to meet growing water demand across sectors while ensuring equitable access for all communities.

Key Officials Present

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak B. Singh Deo, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Principal Secretary of Water Resources Shubha Sharma, and senior engineers like Lingaraj Gaud, among others. The ceremony included exhibitions showcasing the state’s water management efforts and infrastructure projects.