Bhubaneswar: Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, today inaugurated the statewide ‘Sujala’ campaign in Bhubaneswar, calling upon citizens to adopt responsible water-use practices and make water conservation an integral part of their daily lives. Organised by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) under the Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, the campaign will run from October 2 to 16, 2026, across the state.
The campaign aims to create widespread public awareness about water conservation, the importance of safe drinking water and the prevention of waterborne diseases. It seeks to promote collective responsibility for protecting precious water resources, preventing water wastage and ensuring the availability of safe water for present and future generations.
Centred on the theme “Water Conservation—A Necessity Today, the Destiny of Future Generations,” the campaign will encourage citizens to use water judiciously and embrace simple, sustainable practices in their homes and communities. It underscores the importance of public participation in conserving water and building healthier, cleaner and more sustainable urban environments.
A key focus of the campaign is the vital relationship between safe drinking water and public health. Citizens will be sensitised to the risks associated with contaminated water, including diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid and jaundice. Awareness activities will highlight the importance of storing drinking water in clean, covered containers, maintaining household hygiene, keeping water sources free from pollution and ensuring the safe handling of drinking water.
The campaign will also encourage citizens to adopt practical water-saving measures, such as turning off taps when not in use, promptly repairing leaking taps and pipelines, and avoiding the disposal of waste near rivers, ponds, tube wells and other water sources. These simple steps can significantly contribute to reducing water wastage and protecting the quality of available water resources.
In addition, emphasis will be placed on promoting rainwater harvesting, reusing water wherever feasible, and regularly cleaning and maintaining household overhead and underground water storage tanks. Citizens will be encouraged to remain vigilant about drinking water quality and follow hygienic practices to minimise the risk of contamination.
The campaign’s motto, “Water Supply Is Our Responsibility; Water Conservation Is Your Duty,” highlights the complementary roles of the government and citizens in ensuring sustainable water management. While public utilities are responsible for providing a regular and safe water supply, the judicious use of water, prevention of wastage and protection of water sources require the active participation of every citizen.
To strengthen citizen engagement and facilitate the resolution of water-supply-related grievances, the department has urged people to make use of its toll-free helpline numbers, 155359 and 1800-1216-833, to report issues and seek assistance.
On the occasion, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Babu Singh attended as the Guest of Honour and addressed the gathering. Shri Bilas Behera, Engineer-in-Chief, Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO), and Shri Debabrata Mohanty, Managing Director, WATCO, were among the officials present, along with other departmental officers and staff.
The Government of Odisha has appealed to citizens across the state to participate wholeheartedly in the ‘Sujala’ campaign and translate its message into everyday action. Through responsible water use, improved hygiene, protection of water sources and collective public participation, the campaign seeks to conserve precious water resources, safeguard public health and foster a culture of sustainability in Odisha’s cities.