Soumayashree Mishra 
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced today that bicycles will be provided to Jal Saathis (Water Mates) to help them get around.
The Chief Minister made the announcement today while attending a capacity building programme for Jal Saathis at Lokseva Bhawan’s convention centre.
By bridging the gap between the government’s water supply department and the users, Jal Saathi has helped to build trust. According to the Chief Minister, their efficiency has ensured a quality and consistent water supply.
It is worth noting that Mission Shakti members and members of the third gender have been entrusted with the supply of drinking water and the operation of water treatment plants in urban areas. They take metre readings, test water quality, install new connections, and help to remove illegal connections. They have received training for such jobs.
The Chief Minister described decentralisation and community partnership as the two eyes of the State government’s urban management model, and Jal Saathis represent both of these eyes.
He stated that the Jal Saathis programme, which began three years ago under the 5T initiative, is now successfully managing the drinking water supply programme in Odisha’s urban areas.
