Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the significance of water security in advancing a prosperous Odisha during the state-level World Water Day celebration. He stressed the need to address gender disparity in water management and bolster the rural economy. Majhi enlisted women and self-help groups as “Jal Sathi” to ensure water security for all citizens in the state.
Discussing water-related initiatives, Majhi pointed out that water scarcity disproportionately affects the underprivileged. He underscored the state’s commitment to providing clean water to remote areas and promoting the “more crop per drop” approach in agriculture under Mission Shakti. Odisha aims to enhance crop intensity to 220% by 2036 and 250% by 2047 through improved irrigation facilities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Odisha’s leading role in tree plantation through the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. He emphasized the importance of a balanced water policy to avert future conflicts over water resources. Majhi urged the public to pledge against water wastage and propagate the message of water conservation to every household on World Water Day.
Majhi, on the occasion, inaugurated water resource projects totaling Rs 2,612 crore, including laying foundation stones for projects worth around Rs 2,292 crore and inaugurating projects worth approximately Rs 320 crore.
