Rabi Narayan Naik Reviews Cyclone Arnab Restoration, Stresses Drinking Water Supply and Road Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik has directed officials to expedite the restoration of damaged drinking water projects, rural roads, bridges and other infrastructure in areas affected by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent heavy rainfall.

Chairing a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Sunday, the Minister assessed the progress of relief, restoration and rehabilitation works and stressed the need for uninterrupted drinking water supply and early restoration of connectivity to affected villages.

The review followed the Minister’s recent visits to cyclone- and landslide-hit areas of Kandhamal district. During his visit to villages under Manikeshwar Gram Panchayat in Raikia block, he inspected damaged roads and connectivity infrastructure and interacted with residents. He also met families whose houses had been damaged and people injured in the cyclone and heavy rainfall.

Drawing on the ground-level situation and concerns raised by residents, the Minister discussed the ongoing relief operations and restoration requirements with departmental officials.

Drinking Water Restoration and Emergency Arrangements

Officials informed the meeting that repair and disinfection work had been completed in 2,593 damaged tubewells. Of the 393 affected piped water supply schemes, 162 have been restored, while 227 piped water supply sources have been disinfected.

To ensure water quality, 746 tubewell water samples and 185 piped water supply samples have been tested.

For emergency drinking water supply, 235 water tankers, 80 tractor-mounted Sintex tanks and 16 dedicated water supply tractors have been deployed. Eight Mobile Water Treatment Units are operational in Ganjam district, with four more being mobilised.

Through these units, 2,76,500 water bottles and 1,62,500 water pouches have been distributed. Another 2,60,000 units have been kept in reserve for immediate distribution. The department has also stocked 1,036 bags of bleaching powder for disinfecting water sources.

The Minister directed officials to treat drinking water supply as a top priority and closely monitor the situation in all affected areas. Wherever piped water systems have been damaged or supply disrupted, alternative arrangements must be made immediately to ensure access to safe drinking water.

Preparedness for Cyclone Murassu, Restoration of Roads and Bridges

Naik also stressed the need for advance preparedness in view of the possibility of Cyclone Murassu. He asked officials to remain alert and ensure adequate stocks of drinking water, essential materials and emergency services in areas likely to be affected.

Reviewing the condition of rural infrastructure, the Minister directed departments to speed up the restoration of damaged roads, bridges and drinking water projects. He called for additional manpower and resources wherever required, with priority given to restoring connectivity to villages that have been cut off.

He also emphasised close coordination with the local administration to ensure that relief materials and essential assistance reach affected residents without delay. Officials were asked to regularly monitor the progress of restoration work and address ground-level challenges to complete the interventions at the earliest.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department Girish S.N., Rural Development Department Secretary Yamini Sarangi, departmental Directors, Engineers-in-Chief of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) and the Rural Development Department, and other senior officials attended the meeting. They briefed the Minister on the progress of relief operations, drinking water arrangements and restoration of rural roads and bridges.