Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified emergency measures to restore normal water supply in Brahmapur following the impact of the cyclone, with restoration work at the Janivili Intake being carried out on a war footing.
Meanwhile, alternative arrangements have been put in place to ensure continued water supply to residents in affected areas.
According to the Housing and Urban Development Department’s status report as of 10 AM, Brahmapur is currently receiving 70 million litres per day (MLD) against its daily requirement of 90 MLD. Of the total supply, 64 MLD is being sourced from surface water, while another 6 MLD is being supplied through 15 production wells mobilised as an emergency measure.
To strengthen distribution, 20 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been deployed to meet the requirements of affected localities. The arrangements are aimed at minimising inconvenience to consumers until the regular supply system is fully restored.
The department has also stepped up measures to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water during the post-cyclone period. Enhanced chlorination is being maintained at treatment plants, with pre-chlorination at 4 parts per million (ppm) and post-chlorination at 10 ppm.
An additional 2 ppm chlorination is being ensured in tail-end distribution zones to maintain water quality and safeguard public health.
While restoration efforts continue in Berhampur, water supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur is functioning smoothly, according to the department.
The restoration of the Janivili Intake has been accorded top priority as it remains central to normalising water supply in the city. As an immediate intervention, the department has undertaken temporary ponding arrangements through the construction of a sandbag barrier across Connecticut Nala near the intake point.
The temporary structure is intended to restrict the flow of water and create conditions necessary for restoring the intake infrastructure.
Construction of the sand bund began at 5 AM on November 1, with around 120 labourers, three excavators and two tractors deployed for the operation. Approximately 20,000 sandbags are proposed to be placed to create the temporary barrier.
The department has also made arrangements for the transportation of construction materials, power supply, lighting, accommodation, food, and drinking water for the workforce. These facilities are intended to ensure that restoration work continues without interruption, including during night hours.
The operation is being carried out in coordination with field-level teams to complete the temporary barrier at the earliest. Once the required restriction of water flow is achieved, cleaning, repair and restoration of the Janivili Intake will be taken up immediately.
The emergency response and restoration operations are being closely monitored by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua and WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty. They are coordinating with field officials to oversee the implementation of emergency measures, expedite the restoration of the intake infrastructure and facilitate the early normalisation of water supply in Berhampur.
The department has extended additional administrative and operational support to Berhampur Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies to strengthen field-level coordination and accelerate restoration activities. Additional officials have been deployed, while ULBs have been authorised to utilise available financial resources as required for emergency response and restoration work.
The Directorate of Municipal Administration is also closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the concerned authorities to ensure timely intervention.
The Housing and Urban Development Department said continuous supervision was being maintained over all restoration activities, with emphasis on augmenting water supply through alternative sources, maintaining drinking water quality, and expediting the restoration of the Janivili Intake.
With 70 MLD currently being supplied against the city’s daily demand of 90 MLD, the immediate focus remains on sustaining alternative water arrangements and completing the intake restoration work to bring Berhampur’s water supply system back to normal at the earliest.
