Odisha Cabinet Greenlights Comprehensive Rural Water Maintenance Policy
The Odisha state cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has given its formal approval to a groundbreaking Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Policy for drinking water supply in rural areas. This decisive move, announced on Friday, is designed to guarantee uninterrupted water delivery, strict adherence to quality benchmarks, preventive maintenance of infrastructure, and transparent financial oversight across the state's villages.
Addressing a Critical Governance Gap
Following the cabinet session, Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasized that this policy fills a significant and long-standing void in the management of rural drinking water systems. "The absence of a clear O&M framework previously meant there was no defined mechanism for maintaining the assets we have created. This new policy brings essential clarity and establishes clear accountability for all stakeholders," Garg stated. She hailed the decision as a landmark step that reinforces the government's commitment to providing sustainable and reliable drinking water services to rural communities.
Decentralization and Defined Responsibilities
The policy meticulously outlines the roles and duties of various entities involved in rural water management. This includes:
- The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) wing
- District-level authorities
- Gram panchayats (village councils)
- Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)
This structured approach is intended to strengthen decentralized governance and foster a greater sense of community ownership over local water resources.
Building on Infrastructure Success
Odisha has made substantial progress in recent years through initiatives like the central government's Jal Jeevan Mission and state-led programs. Significant infrastructure, including:
- Single village water schemes
- Solar-powered water systems
- Large-scale mega piped water supply projects
has been deployed statewide, bringing functional household tap connections to countless rural homes. However, a government statement acknowledged that creating infrastructure is only half the battle; sustained operation and maintenance are critical for long-term success.
Key Features of the New O&M Framework
The newly approved policy introduces several innovative and practical measures to ensure the longevity and efficiency of water supply systems:
- Structured User Charges: Implementing fair and transparent fees for water usage.
- Dedicated Village-Level O&M Funds: Creating specific financial pools for local maintenance needs.
- Regular Water Quality Testing: Mandating frequent checks to ensure safety standards.
- Digital Monitoring: Leveraging advanced technology like Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems for real-time oversight.
- Centralized Command Center: Proposing a central hub for coordinated, real-time monitoring and management.
Safeguards and Future Goals
The policy incorporates robust safeguards to ensure service continuity, including preventive maintenance schedules, comprehensive asset management systems, defined grievance redressal timelines, and disaster preparedness measures. According to the government, this framework protects the substantial public investment in rural water infrastructure and ensures that the "Har Ghar Jal" (water to every home) mission in Odisha is not just achieved but sustainably maintained, without imposing additional permanent financial burdens on the state treasury.
Odisha has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% rural piped water coverage by March 2027, up from the current level of approximately 77%. To support this goal, significant financial allocations have been earmarked for the 2026-27 fiscal year:
- Rs 1,495 crore under the state's Basudha scheme
- Rs 7,000 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission
- Rs 800 crore in additional state support for rural piped water projects
This comprehensive O&M policy represents a strategic shift from mere infrastructure creation to holistic, sustainable management, aiming to secure clean and reliable drinking water for all of rural Odisha for years to come.
