Bhubaneswar: Odisha Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Friday 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 H&UD Department, the campaign will run from October 2 to 16, 2026, across the state.

The H&UD Department, in an official statement, noted that the campaign aims to create widespread public awareness about water conservation, the importance of safe drinking water, and the prevention of water-borne diseases.

The department further added that 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, the department said.

It added that the initiative underscores the importance of public participation in conserving water and building healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environments.

The campaign will also highlight the link between safe drinking water and public health, with awareness programmes on water-borne diseases, safe water storage, household hygiene, pollution-free water sources, and the safe handling of drinking water.

It will further promote water-saving practices, including turning off unused taps, repairing leaks promptly, and keeping waste away from rivers, ponds, tube wells, and other water sources.

The campaign will also encourage rainwater harvesting, water reuse, regular cleaning of household water tanks, and hygienic practices to ensure safe drinking water.

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 use its toll-free helpline numbers, 155359 and 1800-1216-833, to report issues and seek assistance.

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.