WORLD WATER DAY 2025: CORPORATIONS AND COMMUNITIES UNITE TO SECURE ODISHA’S WATER FUTURE

TALCHER : (DHIRAMOHAN RAY) : As the world observes World Water Day 2025, the theme of “Glacier Preservation” highlights the critical link between upstream water sources and downstream water security. While the melting of distant glaciers may seem far removed from Odisha’s coastal and industrial landscape, the interconnectedness of global water systems means that climate change-induced glacial loss contributes to erratic monsoons, rising sea levels, and groundwater depletion—challenges that Odisha is already grappling with. From saline water intrusion to unpredictable rainfall patterns, the state’s communities are facing mounting water security concerns. However, a powerful movement is taking shape—one led by local communities and strengthened by corporate collaborations, working to drive sustainable water conservation, restore ecosystems, and build climate resilience.

Reviving Odisha’s Traditional Water Wisdom with Modern Innovations:

Odisha has a long history of indigenous water conservation techniques, such as traditional pond restoration and watershed management. Today, these age-old practices are being revitalized with modern interventions to address water scarcity and improve accessibility.

In Jharsuguda district, farmers are embracing sustainable agriculture through the Jeevika Samridhhi Project. By utilizing solar-powered borewells and micro-irrigation techniques, the project has ensured consistent water supply for farming across 30 acres. Farmers adopting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) cultivation method have reported a 45% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in costs, making farming more efficient and resilient to climate fluctuations.

Meanwhile, in Jajpur, a district prone to seasonal droughts and erratic rainfall, integrated water resource management is transforming lives. Under the Sathi Nirmal Paribesha initiative, solar-powered water towers and RO purifiers are providing clean drinking water to over 300 people, significantly improving public health and reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases.

Water as a Lifeline: 

Enhancing Public Health and Hygiene:

Access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation remains a major challenge in many parts of Odisha, particularly in coastal and tribal regions. Recognizing this, several initiatives are working to bridge the gap between demand and supply.

In Thoothukudi, where seawater intrusion and high salinity levels threaten water quality, the Tamira Surabhi initiative has ensured the availability of 3.4 million gallons of clean water annually for over 2,300 families. By using QR-coded cards for water distribution, the system ensures transparency and equitable access to potable water.

Groundwater Recharge and Large-Scale Conservation Efforts:

Odisha’s industrial regions, particularly in Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda, have faced severe groundwater depletion due to extensive industrial activity. Large-scale conservation efforts are now reversing these trends and restoring local aquifers.

In Lanjigarh, an integrated watershed project is set to increase community water storage by 34.5 lakh cubic meters, ensuring a reliable supply for both irrigation and household needs. This initiative is helping farmers transition to multi-cropping systems, improving food security and economic stability.

At the Rampura Agucha Mine in Odisha, a groundwater recharge initiative with a capacity of 87 lakh cubic meters annually is replenishing water tables, benefiting local farmers and ensuring long-term water sustainability. Similarly, in Barbil, large-scale rainwater harvesting structures are capturing monsoon runoff, enhancing agricultural resilience and drinking water availability.

Corporations Strengthening Community-Led Efforts:

While communities are at the forefront of Odisha’s water conservation movement, corporate interventions are playing a critical role in amplifying and sustaining these efforts. Companies are investing in large-scale infrastructure, wastewater recycling, and innovative water conservation methods to reduce their water footprint and promote sustainable water management.

One of the leading corporate contributors to Odisha’s water sustainability is Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), which has significantly reduced its freshwater consumption by 25% since 2020. Its 60 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Udaipur repurposes treated water for industrial use, minimizing dependence on freshwater resources.

Meanwhile, Cairn Oil & Gas is spearheading rainwater harvesting projects, expected to generate 2.5 million cubic meters of freshwater credits annually by 2025. These corporate-backed initiatives not only enhance business sustainability but also contribute to regional water security and climate resilience.

Cairn Oil & Gas: Driving Water Conservation in Odisha:

Among the most impactful initiatives in Odisha is Cairn Oil & Gas’ Jeevika Samridhhi Project, which has been instrumental in transforming agricultural landscapes. By facilitating year-round irrigation through solar-powered borewells, the initiative has enabled farmers in Jharsuguda and Kalahandi districts to move beyond subsistence farming and embrace commercial agriculture.

Additionally, Cairn’s efforts in restoring local water bodies through community-led desilting projects have helped increase irrigation potential by 1.4 times and boost farmer incomes by 50%. These interventions demonstrate how corporate collaboration with local communities can create sustainable and scalable water conservation models.

A Ripple Effect of Sustainable Change:

The collaborative water conservation efforts in Odisha are creating lasting impacts that go beyond environmental sustainability. Reliable access to water is strengthening rural economies, empowering farmers to cultivate more land and adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices. Improved access to clean drinking water is enhancing public health, reducing disease prevalence, and easing the burden on women and children.

On World Water Day 2025, Odisha stands as a model of successful water conservation—where traditional wisdom meets modern technology, and corporate partnerships amplify community-led solutions. Through innovative conservation techniques, large-scale interventions, and sustainable policies, the state is not only securing its water future but also fortifying itself against the growing threats of climate change.

Odisha’s story sends a powerful message: when communities lead and corporations support, they create a ripple effect of sustainability—one that restores water reserves, strengthens livelihoods, and preserves the fragile ecosystems on which millions depend.