Cyclone Arnab: Berhampur Gets 70 MLD Water Supply, Janivili Intake Restoration Underway

Bhubaneswar: Water supply in Berhampur has been partially restored following disruptions caused by Cyclone Arnab, with the city currently receiving 70 million litres per day (MLD) against its daily requirement of 90 MLD, according to the Housing and Urban Development Department.

The department has stepped up emergency measures to ensure uninterrupted supply through alternative sources while restoration work at the Janivili Intake is being carried out on a priority basis.

As per the status report at 10 am on Sunday, 64 MLD of water is being supplied from the surface water source, while another 6 MLD is being drawn from 15 production wells mobilised to augment supply.

To meet the requirements of affected localities, 20 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have also been deployed. Meanwhile, water supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur is functioning normally.

Sandbag barrier being built to restore intake

Restoration of the Janivili Intake has been taken up on a war footing. As an immediate measure, a temporary sandbag barrier is being constructed across Connecticut Nala near the intake point to restrict water flow and facilitate repair of the intake infrastructure.

Work on the sand bund began at 5 am on November 1, with around 120 labourers, three excavators and two tractors deployed. Approximately 20,000 sandbags are proposed to be placed to create the temporary barrier.

Arrangements have been made for transportation of materials, electricity, lighting, accommodation, food and drinking water for the workforce to ensure that work continues without interruption, including during night hours.

Once the required restriction of water flow is achieved, cleaning, repair and restoration of the Janivili Intake will begin.

Enhanced chlorination to ensure safe drinking water

The department has strengthened water treatment measures to maintain drinking water quality during the post-cyclone period. Pre-chlorination of 4 ppm and post-chlorination of 10 ppm are being maintained at treatment plants, while 2 ppm chlorination is being ensured in tail-end distribution areas.

The measures are aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring the supply of safe drinking water to consumers.

Senior officials monitor restoration

Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua and WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty are closely monitoring the restoration work and coordinating with field-level officials.

The department has extended additional administrative and operational support to Berhampur Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Additional officials have been deployed, while ULBs have been authorised to use available financial resources as required for emergency response and restoration.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration is also monitoring the situation and coordinating with the concerned authorities to expedite the work.

The department said its immediate priorities are to augment water supply through alternative sources, maintain drinking water quality and restore the Janivili Intake at the earliest to bring normal water supply back to Berhampur.