Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP, Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday welcomed the Odisha Cabinet’s approval of a Rs382 crore 24x7 drinking water supply project for Sambalpur city, calling it a major step toward improving public health and infrastructure.

In a social media post, Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra for approving the project. The initiative aims to provide uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for residents of Sambalpur, Hirakud, and Burla, with completion targeted by 2043.

The project includes the construction of world-class water purification centers, intake wells, turbine pumps, and sludge treatment units, along with systems for water reuse. It is expected to serve over 7 lakh people, easing pressure on existing water infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Union Minister emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental necessity, and the Cabinet’s decision aligns with the vision of a developed Odisha by 2036–2047. He noted that the project will significantly improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen the public health foundation of the region.

The initiative is part of the State government’s broader commitment to urban renewal and infrastructure modernization, with Sambalpur positioned as a key beneficiary of the double-engine governance model--a term often used to describe coordinated efforts between the BJP ruled Union and State governments.

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