Rapid Fire
Odisha's 'Drink from Tap' Mission
- 27 Mar 2024
- 1 min read
In 2017, the Odisha government launched its pioneering 'drink from tap' mission, making it the first and only state in India to ensure drinking water quality on household tap connections.
- The initiative aimed to transform urban drinking water supply, combat waterborne diseases, and relieve the financial strain. It provides 24x7 access to high-quality drinking water directly from taps, cutting costs and time, eliminating filtration or boiling needs.
- Currently covering 2.55 million people in eight cities, the mission aims to reach 4.1 million people across urban Odisha by the end of 2024.
- Real-time surveillance enforces Indian Standard (IS) for drinking water, maintaining permissible limits for soluble and insoluble components, ensuring safe consumption.
- Community engagement initiatives like the 'jal sathi' program enlist women from self-help groups to facilitate service delivery and behavioural change.
- Third-party evaluation by the National Institute of Urban Affairs highlights the project's significance and potential for replication.
