In a landmark step toward tackling water scarcity in coastal Odisha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated the state’s first-ever seawater desalination plant at Matikhal in Chhatrapur, Ganjam district. Developed by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) at its Odisha Sands Complex (OSCOM), the Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) facility will convert seawater into potable water at an affordable rate, benefiting thousands of residents.

High-Capacity, Low-Cost Freshwater Supply
Built at a cost of ₹135 crore, the plant employs cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). It will produce 4 lakh litres of freshwater daily in its first phase, serving nearly 7,000 people in Matikhal and Aryapalli villages. With a production cost of just 11 paise per litre, the initiative is being hailed as a benchmark for sustainable and cost-effective water solutions in the state.

Addressing Coastal Water Challenges
Highlighting the significance of the project, Pradhan noted that Ganjam’s groundwater is plagued by high salinity and limited freshwater resources. He stressed that Odisha’s 450 km coastline holds vast potential for similar projects, comparing the model to Israel’s successful desalination practices. Under the plant’s CSR framework, 1.5 million litres will be allocated for industrial use, the same amount for local villages, with the remainder reserved for emergency distribution to ensure equitable supply.

Collaboration and Local Connectivity
Pradhan praised IREL for its commitment to sustainable development and acknowledged the Ganjam district administration’s role in ensuring last-mile connectivity through pipelines and overhead tanks. He expressed confidence that the project will significantly improve water security in the region.

‘Garib Kalyan Vikash Samabesh’ Highlights Development Goals
Speaking at the ‘Garib Kalyan Vikash Samabesh’ event, Pradhan underlined Ganjam’s contribution to the national economy and pledged that the “double-engine government” would make the district a focal point of future development.

Leaders and Officials Join Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, Asika MP Anita Subhadarshini, local MLAs, Ganjam District Collector V. Keerti Vasan, and IREL CMD Sharada Bhushan Mahanti. The launch has sparked calls for similar desalination plants in other districts to serve larger populations and replicate Ganjam’s model of sustainable water supply.

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