Bhubaneswar faces 65.5 MLD water deficit; Odisha govt orders fast-tracking of projects

The Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas was reviewed on January 7, 2026, with a focus on strengthening water infrastructure to meet rising urban demand. 

The meeting was chaired by Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, at Kharabela Bhawan, in the presence of senior officials from WATCO and the department.

WATCO directed to fast-track projects

During the review, Padhee instructed the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) to prioritise all ongoing and proposed water supply projects and complete them within stipulated timelines. Emphasising Bhubaneswar’s rapid population growth and future expansion, she said delays could affect long-term water security. WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty presented details on the current demand–supply gap, infrastructure augmentation plans and operational challenges, which will be escalated to higher authorities for early resolution. The plans align with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The key augmentation plans include:
The commissioning of a 130 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Mundali within the next six months,
 Secondly, a 20 MLD plant at Naharkanta scheduled to become operational by 2028,
Thirdly, in the long term, WATCO will submit a proposal to lift 1,000 MLD of raw water from the Mahanadi River at Mundali in two phases to meet Bhubaneswar’s water requirement for the next 50 years. 
In addition, an extra 400 MLD Water Treatment Plant has been proposed as part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap to cater to future urban growth.

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Statewide survey on urban water stress

The Principal Secretary also directed WATCO to conduct a comprehensive survey of Urban Local Bodies across Odisha, especially areas facing summer water shortages. The survey will assess source sustainability, treatment and storage capacity, distribution efficiency and peak seasonal demand to help the government prioritise targeted interventions.

Bhubaneswar currently faces a demand–supply gap of 65.50 MLD, managed through groundwater sources, as its population has risen to an estimated 13.03 lakh in 2025.