Bhubaneswar, April 10: The Odisha Cabinet today approved the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Policy for Rural Drinking Water Supply - 2026, to ensure sustainable and reliable drinking water services in rural areas.
Over the last few years, Odisha has made remarkable progress under Jal Jeevan Mission and State initiatives in providing functional household tap connections to rural households.
The state government has created extensive infrastructure including Single Village Schemes, Solar-Based Systems, and Mega Piped Water Supply Projects across the State. However, infrastructure creation is only the first step. Ensuring that these systems remain functional, efficient, and financially sustainable overtime is equally important.
The newly approved O&M Policy provides a comprehensive framework to guarantee uninterrupted water supply, strict compliance with drinking water quality standards, preventive maintenance of assets, and transparent financial management. It clearly defines the responsibilities of RWSS, District authorities, Gram Panchayats, and Village Water & Sanitation Committees, thereby strengthening decentralized governance and community ownership.
Also Read: Gold prices record worst monthly drop since 2013 with 12% fall in March
The policy also introduces structured user charge mechanisms, dedicated O&M funds at village level, regular water quality testing, digital monitoring through SCADA and loT-based systems, and a centralized Command & Control Centre for real-time oversight. It includes safeguards such as preventive maintenance schedules, asset management systems, grievance redressal timelines, and disaster preparedness measures to ensure service continuity.
Importantly, this policy safeguards the substantial public investment made in rural drinking water infrastructure and ensures that "Har Ghar Jal" in Odisha is not merely achieved but sustained. It has been designed to be implemented within existing financial provisions and does not create additional permanent financial liability on the State exchequer.
With this decision, Odisha moves into the next phase of rural water supply management focusing on sustainability, accountability, and service excellence.
