Patnaik Evangelising Good Health Via Puri Model Of Piped Quality Water

Instead of waiting for the Union government to launch Har Ghar Nal Se Jal programme in his state, Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik decided to take the initiative by announcing Rs 1,500 crore programme to provide 24×7 safe drinking water from tap in Odisha’s 17 cities in addition to what has been initiated at Puri – the abode of Lord Jagannath. At Puri, its entire population of 2.5 lakh people have been fully connected with piped drinking water. Translated it means 2 crore tourists will not have to buy bottled water and the environment impact will be the savings of 3 crore water bottles. “Availability of potable drinking water will improve the lives of 35 lakh population, wherein slum population of 8.5 lakh will be covered,” said G Mathi Vathanan, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development. Differentiating between Singapore and Odisha model of piped drinking water, Vathanan said: “Odissa will totally rely on ground water sources, wherein water quality will confirm to ISO 10500 standard.” Patnaik is keen to make Odisha a happening place. So be it in hockey, reduction of poverty, success in disaster management, attracting best investment to Odisha and now the piped drinking water to people’s home for the first time, his state is showing the way. Patnaik appears to be unstoppable.