Fresh Hope for Ganjam: India's New Desalination Breakthrough

On August 10, 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) project at Indian Rare Earths Limited’s (IREL) desalination plant in Matikhal, located in the Ganjam district of Odisha.

Developed using indigenous technology by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the Rs 160 crore project aims to convert seawater into potable water, addressing the long-standing drinking water scarcity in the region caused by saline groundwater and limited access to freshwater sources.

In its first phase, the plant will supply clean water to nearby villages including Matikhal and Aryapalli, at a highly affordable rate of just 11 paisa per litre. Minister Pradhan highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing it as a breakthrough in water conservation and potentially the first such facility in Odisha. He also drew comparisons to global desalination models, such as those in Israel.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by MPs Anita Subhadarshini and Pradeep Panigrahy. IREL, a strategic sector PSU with over four decades of experience in rare earth development, is leading the implementation of this project as part of its commitment to sustainable and community-focused development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.