Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, marking a major step towards the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 in the State.
The programme was held virtually. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined from Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, while Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil and Minister of State V. Somanna participated from New Delhi.
The State government has prepared a structured roadmap for the execution of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on public participation, financial sustainability, and efficient service delivery through a robust Operation and Maintenance policy, Majhi said in a post on X.
The Union Cabinet has already approved the extension of the mission till 2028, ensuring continued support for rural drinking water infrastructure across states.
Under the programme, Odisha will contribute nearly 40% of the total expenditure, reflecting a strong financial commitment to the mission’s objectives.
The government has also strengthened citizen-centric service delivery through platforms such as the Basudha Helpline, WhatsApp-based services, and digital grievance redressal systems to improve accessibility and responsiveness.
Highlighting achievements under the mission, the State reported the creation of over 2.21 lakh water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures. More than 43,000 water bodies have been restored, while 42,000 groundwater recharge initiatives have been completed. Additionally, over two lakh watershed development works have been undertaken.
To support ecological balance, the State has also carried out plantation drives, resulting in the planting of more than two crore trees.
The MoU is expected to accelerate the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 in Odisha, with a focus on sustainability, infrastructure development, and improved access to safe drinking water in rural areas.
