Odisha Wins 'Best State' in National Water Awards for Outstanding Water Conservation Initiatives

Odisha Wins 'Best State' in National Water Awards for Outstanding Water Conservation Initiatives

At the 5th National Water Awards (NWA) announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil in New Delhi, Odisha has been recognized as the "Best State" for its outstanding achievements in water conservation over the past few years. Uttar Pradesh ranked second, while Gujarat and Puducherry shared the third position.

In recent years, particularly in 2023, the state has constructed and renovated approximately 53,000 water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures, along with 10,800 reuse and recharge systems. Additionally, 11,000 traditional water bodies have been restored, and 68,700 watersheds have been developed. The state has also successfully completed the construction of 21,000 wastewater treatment plants during this period.

Renovation of about 18,000 km of drainage channels also resulted in retrieval of 39,000 hectares of agricultural land from waterlogging, officials said. Also, over 90,900 hectares of irrigated area in the state was transformed from conventional to micro irrigation (sprinkler and drip irrigation) systems benefitting about 87,000 farmers.

Balangir was recognized as the best district for the year 2023, in the East Zone considering its remarkable achievements in the field of water conservation. These accomplishments include the creation of 167 river embankments, the establishment of 241 hectares of plantations focused on soil and moisture conservation under the Green Mahanadi Mission, and the construction of 260 farm ponds, 170 check dams, 160 diversion weirs, 1,320 water harvesting structures, 460 percolation tanks, and 670 groundwater recharge structures.

Also, Puri was adjudged as the second best urban local body (ULB) for ensuring 100 per cent metered water connections and round-the-clock water supply to the entire population. The Khairbani Ashram School at Baisinga in Mayurbhanj district was declared third winner in the ‘best school or college’ category for its rooftop rainwater harvesting system and use of 4,000 square ft area on the campus as kitchen garden among other good practices and awareness activities.