Odisha expands rural water access and prepares for new housing allocations

Odisha has significantly expanded its rural infrastructure through central government initiatives. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, rural tap water coverage in the state has reached 77%, with 68.73 lakh households connected as of August 2026. This marks a substantial increase from the 3.1 lakh households covered at the mission's launch in 2019.

In addition to water access, the state is advancing housing initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Following a statewide survey of approximately 38 lakh households, physical verification of beneficiaries is expected to conclude by August 27. The first phase of house allocations is scheduled to begin in September.

Discussions between Odisha’s Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rabi Narayan Naik, and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also highlighted the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Gram (VB-GRAM) programme. The initiative is projected to utilize approximately ₹5,000 crore this financial year to create community assets and generate employment at the village and Panchayat levels.