People First: How Odisha's “Drink from Tap” Mission Quenched Every Thirst
The launch of the book "People First, How Odisha's Drink from Tap Mission Quenched Every Thirst" marks a significant milestone in the realm of public water supply in India. Authored by IIT Madras alumnus , Shri G. Mathi Vathanan (1988 / MT / ME), IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, the book chronicles the state's revolutionary journey to provide 24/7 drinkable water directly from taps, targeting the poor and marginalized sections of the society.
The book launch event was not just a celebration of a new publication but a testimony to a historic shift in addressing urban water supply challenges in India. Prof. V. Srinivas Chary, CEO, WASH Innovation Hub & Director, ASCI, Hyderabad, in his opening remarks, highlighted the book's uniqueness in documenting a successful public sector reform in water management. “It happened within five years, but not just in one city but at a large scale. And Mathi set a new standard in the global discourse on water management. Odisha has made our aspiration a reality." said Prof. Srinivas Chary.
The Drink from Tap mission, spearheaded by Mathi Vathanan, is a testament to what can be achieved with strong political will, administrative commitment, and community partnership. The mission ensured that 99% of urban households in Odisha now have access to clean water, directly from the tap, breaking stereotypes and setting a precedent for water supply systems nationwide.
Mathi highlighted the global water crisis, stating, "Why did we do Drink from Tap or 24x7? And why did I write this book? As per the WHO 2023 latest report, 2.2 billion people do not have access to clean water globally." This lack of access served as a driving force. With water being such a fundamental need, Mathi emphasized, "If the focus is on water, it should ensure that everybody gets access wherever they live. That's how they started and now 99 percent of the urban households have clean water."
The success of the Odisha model lies in its local foundation. "The entire Odisha model of Drink from Tap is locally made, skilled in Odisha, and made in Odisha," Mathi explained. "We didn't have any external experts for that. And our people, our engineers have done it." he added.
However, the impact extends beyond the accomplishment itself. Mathi Vathanan sees the book as a way to share knowledge. "What are the step-by-step processes involved? How can you do this?" he asks. "This is what the book conveys." He concludes by humbly positioning himself as, "I'm only a connector of the dots, the storyteller in the book." This book acts as a roadmap for other states and countries, offering insights into overcoming the logistical, financial, and societal barriers that often hinder the provision of clean water.
Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations, expressed his delight, stating, "I'm extremely happy that Shri Mathi Vathanan has not just made an effort to deliver clean water, but has also gone that extra mile to document his thoughts and the process that a government goes through to make this kind of a success story happen."
“I congratulate Mathi for doing this work and writing this book, and I will appeal to Mathi, now you should move to some other department so that sector also gets the benefit of your work,” said Shri Shiv Das Meena, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu. He praised Shri Mathi Vathanan's work not only for its direct impact on improving living standards through enhanced water supply but also for setting a high standard in public service and administration.
The book's release at IIT Madras, "Drink from Tap '' is more than just a narrative; it's a clarion call for change management. Shri Mathi Vathanan's journey from witnessing severe water scarcity to leading a transformative public service demonstrates the powerful impact of visionary leadership.
