Bhubaneswar, March 22 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the critical role of water security in realizing a vision of a 'Samruddha and Viksit Odisha' and called upon all residents to rally behind this vital initiative.

During a state-level celebration of World Water Day at Lok Seva Bhawan, he stated, “Our objective is to eradicate gender inequality in water management and bolster the rural economy. Water security is essential for achieving a prosperous and advanced Odisha.” He highlighted the involvement of women and self-help groups as “Jal Sathi” to ensure equitable water access for everyone in the state.

Majhi urged the public to contribute to water security efforts, aligning with this year's World Water Day theme of ‘Water and Gender Equality’.

He pointed out that water scarcity predominantly impacts the underprivileged, making it imperative to guarantee access to clean water for the most marginalized, in line with the Antyodaya policy. Under the Mission Shakti initiative, the government is focused on delivering clean water to remote villages and economically disadvantaged areas. Furthermore, in agriculture, the “more crop per drop” principle is being actively promoted.

CM Majhi remarked that through the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, Odisha has become a frontrunner in tree plantation efforts. To avert future water disputes, the state is implementing a comprehensive water policy aimed at reducing conflicts over water resources. Additionally, he noted the government’s ambition to enhance crop intensity to 220% by 2036 and 250% by 2047 through improved irrigation facilities.

He further asserted that optimizing water use and ensuring an adequate supply of safe drinking water are urgent priorities.

“Hence, water security is vital to satisfy the increasing demands across various sectors as outlined in the Odisha Vision Documents for 2036 and 2047,” CM Majhi asserted.

He stressed the significance of water conservation and urged everyone to pledge not to waste a single drop of water. The message of water conservation should permeate every household during this World Water Day celebration.

“Children must learn about water conservation early, as they will be our future ‘water warriors’. We will conserve water and capture rainwater to maintain soil moisture,” Majhi added.

On this occasion, CM Majhi also unveiled multiple water resource projects amounting to Rs 2,612 crore. Among these, the foundation stones for 17 projects valued at approximately Rs 2,292 crore were laid, while 124 projects costing around Rs 320 crore were inaugurated.