Bhadrak, February 26, 2026: A major drinking water project worth ₹754 crore, aimed at supplying safe drinking water to saline-affected areas of Bhadrak district, has remained incomplete even after seven years of its launch, raising concerns among residents and officials.
The large-scale project was conceptualised during the previous government to address drinking water scarcity in coastal saline pockets of the district. The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department signed an agreement with Megha Engineering Private Limited on February 15, 2019, for execution of the project. The work was originally scheduled to be completed by February 14, 2021, but remains unfinished as of February 2026.
The project is designed to benefit 526 villages across Chandbali, Tihidi, Basudevpur and Dhamnagar blocks by lifting water from the Kharasrota River in Kendrapara district, treating it, and supplying it through overhead tanks to saline-affected habitations. Specifically, the scheme covers 266 villages in Chandbali, 118 in Basudevpur, 109 in Tihidi, and 33 in Dhamnagar, targeting nearly 6.25 lakh residents.
Despite the prolonged delay of around five years beyond the deadline, the executing agency reportedly managed to draw nearly 90 percent of the allocated project funds during the previous government’s tenure. Allegations of irregularities had also led to action against certain departmental officials. The contractor, however, has submitted written assurances to the department stating that the project will be completed and construction activities are continuing.
Officials said repeated extensions of time (EOT) have been granted to the agency as the work could not be completed within the stipulated period. Although a substantial portion of the infrastructure has been developed, several critical components remain pending. These include laying pipelines across the river, installation of pipelines along railway tracks and roads, and providing individual household connections to beneficiaries.
The department has been repeatedly urging the contractor to expedite the remaining work. The Superintending Engineer of the Bhadrak Water Supply and Sanitation Division stated that while about 90 percent of the payment has been released, an estimated ₹200 crore remains with the department as security deposit.
According to officials, piped water supply has so far begun in nearly 330 out of the targeted 526 villages. The contractor has been directed to complete the remaining work by May 2026.
Residents of the saline belt continue to await full implementation of the project, which is expected to significantly improve access to safe drinking water and reduce dependence on contaminated groundwater sources once completed.
(Report: Salandi Samachar)
