Bhubaneswar: With restoration work at the Janibilli intake point nearing completion, the Housing and Urban Development Department has stepped up efforts to normalise water supply in Brahmapur following the impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’. The city’s daily water supply has been augmented to 72 million litres per day (MLD) through surface water and additional production wells.
Of the total supply, 64 MLD is being sourced from the surface water system, while 8 MLD is being supplied through 18 production wells. To strengthen distribution, particularly in affected localities, 46 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been deployed.
Water supply to MKCG Medical College and Hospital and IISER has also been restored, while supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur continues to remain normal.
The department, in coordination with WATCO, is also maintaining enhanced chlorination measures to ensure safe drinking water. Pre-chlorination at 4 ppm and post-chlorination at 10 ppm are being maintained at treatment plants, while 2 ppm chlorination is being ensured in tail-end distribution areas. A Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) has also reached the Brahmapur Division Office to strengthen emergency preparedness.
Janibilli intake restoration nearing completion
Restoration work at the Janibilli intake is progressing on a war footing, with the temporary ponding arrangement reported to be around 99 per cent complete. Nearly 15,000 sandbags have been placed to construct a temporary sand bund near the intake point, while another 5,000 are scheduled to be placed.
A dedicated workforce and machinery have been deployed at the site to expedite the work. An Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team has also been stationed there to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in the restoration operation.
The department has extended additional administrative support to the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by deploying officials for better field-level coordination. The ULBs have also been allowed to utilise available financial resources, as required, for urgent restoration and relief measures.
The Housing and Urban Development Department is monitoring the ongoing interventions, with emphasis on augmenting water supply, maintaining drinking water quality and completing the intake restoration work to minimise inconvenience to residents.
