Promises vs Reality

The Odisha government, along with the central authorities, has repeatedly assured citizens of safe and clean drinking water under the ambitious “Drink from Tap” initiative. The slogan “Water is Life” echoes in official statements, but for residents, these promises remain largely on paper. Despite successive announcements, citizens still wait for a reliable supply of clean tap water.

Half of Odisha Still Thirsty

Even after the summer season ended and monsoon passed, many districts remain desperate for clean drinking water. The “Drink from Tap” project, intended to provide 24-hour potable water to every household, has not been operational in most areas.

From Champua and Anandpur in Kendujhar, Brahmapur and Hinjilikatu in Ganjam, to Rairangpur, Baripada, and Udala in Mayurbhanj, the project has failed to deliver. Even in cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and Jatani, the scheme has not met expectations.

The Hinjilikatu Case Study

The project aimed to provide 24-hour water supply in Hinjilikatu, where former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Sujal Yojana in December 2022 with a budget of ₹62 crore. Initial installations were completed, and 6,500 residents across three wards were promised round-the-clock drinking water.

However, one year later, residents are far from that goal. Instead of 24-hour supply, water is available only two hours per day, split between morning and evening, and often at inconsistent timings.

Contaminated Water Threatens Health

In Bhubaneswar’s older areas, water supply has become even more alarming. Residents report that water flowing through pipelines is muddy, contaminated, and unsafe for consumption. Two weeks of dirty water have caused skin infections, especially among children, with hospitals like BMC Hospital reporting a surge in pediatric patients.

Local complaints indicate the risk of waterborne diseases, including jaundice, due to prolonged consumption of contaminated water. Residents have resorted to buying bottled water, but the problem persists.

WATCO’s Role and Accountability

The Water Supply and Sewerage Board (WATCO) was entrusted with executing the project. Despite repeated complaints, officials have failed to provide safe water consistently. Maintenance and repair of pipelines remain slow, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction.

Public Discontent Grows

The failure of the “Drink from Tap” project has led to mounting frustration. Residents demand immediate action to provide safe, potable water. Authorities face growing pressure to ensure the promises of the Sujal Yojana are fulfilled before public protests escalate.

Conclusion

While slogans like “Water is Life” dominate official discourse, the reality for Odisha’s residents is starkly different. Clean, 24-hour tap water remains a distant dream in many districts. Questions remain: How many more years must citizens wait? How many governments must come and go before this basic necessity is guaranteed?

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