Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated the Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) project in Chatrapur, Ganjam district, marking a significant step towards addressing the region’s drinking water crisis.
The SWRO unit, set up at the desalination plant on the premises of Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL) in Matikhal, will purify seawater to supply clean drinking water to nearby villages.
Highlighting the importance of the project, Pradhan said, “Despite being a coastal district, Ganjam has long struggled with high salinity in groundwater and limited freshwater resources. This plant will ensure a reliable drinking water supply while promoting water conservation.”
Developed with indigenous technology by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) at a cost of ₹160 crore, the plant can provide fresh water at just 11 paisa per litre. In its first phase, it will supply drinking water to Matikhal and Aryapalli areas.
Pradhan compared the initiative to Israel’s large-scale seawater purification model and hailed it as the first such project in Odisha. He also lauded IREL’s contribution to sustainable development and the strategic sector.
MPs Anita Subhadarshini and Pradeep Panigrahy were present during the inauguration ceremony.
