Bhubaneswar's Water Crisis Intensifies on World Water Day
As the world marks World Water Day under the theme "Water for Peace," Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is grappling with a deepening water deficit and escalating river pollution. This dual challenge poses significant threats to both environmental stability and social harmony in the region.
Severe Water Shortfall and Groundwater Dependency
According to government records, Bhubaneswar is currently experiencing a drinking water deficit of 65.50 million liters per day (MLD). The city's demand has surged to 304 MLD, while the supply capacity remains limited to 238.50 MLD. To bridge this gap, authorities are relying on groundwater extraction, a measure officials admit is unsustainable in the long term.
This reliance on groundwater is particularly concerning given the city's expanding population and increasing urbanization pressures.
Alarming River Pollution Levels
The water stress is exacerbated by deteriorating river health. A recent study conducted by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has revealed dangerous pollution levels in the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers, which flow near the city. The contamination is primarily driven by untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents.
Specific stretches of the Mahanadi River, particularly along the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar belt, have recorded critically high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels. Some areas showed BOD readings as high as 39 mg/l, far exceeding safe limits. For context:
- Clean water typically has BOD under 5 mg/L
- Drinking water standards often require BOD under 1-2 mg/L
- Even treated wastewater is generally allowed only up to 30 mg/L
Further downstream at Boudh, water quality data from April 2025 revealed total coliform levels reaching 54,000 MPN/100 mL, categorizing the water as unsatisfactory for use.
Expert Warnings and Resident Experiences
City-based environmentalist Bijay Mishra emphasized that pollution in the Mahanadi stems largely from untreated wastewater in both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. "This situation requires immediate and diligent attention," Mishra stated. "We are not only talking about water scarcity but also the level of pollution affecting both groundwater and surface water. It is high time that authorities step up their measures. Water safety and security are essential for our future generations."
Residents are already feeling the impact of the crisis. Madhusmita Mohanty, a resident of Tankapani Road, shared her experience: "Some mornings our taps run dry for hours. We depend on water tankers far more than before. The summer has just begun, and the situation is likely to worsen in the coming months."
Government Response and Infrastructure Projects
The Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) has been tasked with accelerating critical water infrastructure projects. These include:
- The 130 MLD Mundali Water Treatment Plant, expected to be operational within months
- A 20 MLD plant at Naharkanta targeted for completion by 2028
- Long-term plans to lift 1,000 MLD of raw water from the Mahanadi River
In January, Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, convened a high-level meeting directing officials to conduct comprehensive surveys of water-deficient urban centers. She also instructed them to prepare an urgent Water Security Plan specifically for Bhubaneswar.
The Path Toward "Water for Peace"
Environmental experts stress that achieving the World Water Day theme of "Water for Peace" requires more than just expanding treatment capacity. Sailabala Padhi, another environmentalist, noted that "as the city expands, its water future hangs in the balance."
Comprehensive solutions must include:
- Strict sewage control measures
- River rejuvenation programs
- Curbing groundwater over-extraction
- Ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water
The convergence of water scarcity and pollution in Bhubaneswar represents a critical test for urban water management in India, with implications that extend far beyond the city's boundaries.
