Bhubaneswar faces river pollution, water deficit

Bhubaneswar: As the globe observes World Water Day on Sunday under the theme “Water for Peace,” Bhubaneswar finds itself battling a widening water deficit and rising river pollution – an emerging challenge that threatens both environmental stability and social harmony.As per govt records, the state capital is currently facing a 65.50 MLD drinking water deficit, with demand touching 304 MLD against a supply capacity of 238.50 MLD. The shortfall is being met through groundwater extraction, an urgent measure that officials acknowledge is not sustainable.The city’s water stress is compounded by deteriorating river health. A recent study by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) revealed dangerous levels of pollution in the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers that run near the city, which is driven by municipal sewage and industrial effluents.

Several stretches in the Mahanadi, particularly along the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar belt, recorded critically high BOD levels -- as high as 39 mg/l, far exceeding safe limits. Safe Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) limits vary by usage, with water under 1-2 mg/L, clean water under 5 mg/L, and treated wastewater generally allowed up to 30 mg/L.Water quality data from April 2025 showed alarming contamination downstream at Boudh, where total coliform levels hit 54,000 MPN/100 mL, categorised as unsatisfactory.

City-based environmentalist Bijay Mishra said that pollution in the Mahanadi stems from untreated wastewater in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.“This situation requires immediate and diligent attention. We are not only talking about the water scarcity but also the level of pollution of both groundwater and surface water. It is high time that the authorities step up their measures. Water safety as well as security is a must for our future generation,” he said.The Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), in the meantime, has been tasked with fast-tracking critical projects, including the 130 MLD Mundali Water Treatment Plant, expected within months, and a 20 MLD plant at Naharkanta targeted for 2028. Long-term plans include lifting 1,000 MLD of raw water from the Mahanadi.Residents say the crisis is already impacting daily life. “Some mornings our taps run dry for hours.

We depend on tankers far more than before. The summer has just begun and the situation is likely to worsen in the coming months,” said Madhusmita Mohanty, a resident of Tankapani Road.Experts note that achieving “Water for Peace” requires more than expanding treatment capacity. It demands strict sewage control, river rejuvenation, curbing groundwater over-extraction, and equitable access to safe drinking water.

“As the city expands, its water future hangs in the balance,” environmentalist Sailabala Padhi said.Notably, additional chief secretary of housing and urban development, Usha Padhee, in Jan held a high-level meeting and directed officials to conduct a comprehensive survey of water-deficient urban centres. She also asked the officials to prepare an urgent Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar.