Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to restore normal drinking water supply in Brahmapur following the disruption caused by Cyclone Arnab, augmenting supply through alternative sources while expediting restoration of the damaged Janibilli Intake.
The Housing and Urban Development Department, in coordination with WATCO, has stepped up emergency measures to minimise inconvenience to residents and ensure access to safe drinking water.
The city’s water supply has now been increased to 72 million litres per day (MLD), comprising 64 MLD from the surface water source and an additional 8 MLD drawn through 18 production wells mobilised to strengthen the distribution network.
To support water distribution and meet the requirements of affected localities, 46 tankers have been deployed across the city. These include 12 private tankers, which have been engaged to supplement the emergency supply arrangements.
The department has also reported the restoration of water supply to MKCG Medical College and Hospital and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. Meanwhile, water supply services in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur continue to operate smoothly.
Enhanced measures to ensure drinking water safety
Alongside efforts to increase water availability, the department has stepped up measures to maintain drinking water quality and prevent contamination in the affected areas.
Super chlorination is being maintained at treatment plants, with pre-chlorination at 4 parts per million (ppm) and post-chlorination at 10 ppm. An additional chlorination level of 2 ppm is being ensured in tail-end distribution zones to maintain water quality and safeguard public health.
As part of efforts to strengthen emergency response capacity, a Mobile Treatment Unit has also reached the Brahmapur Division Office. Its deployment is expected to further support the department’s operational preparedness during the restoration process.
Janibilli Intake restoration reaches 99% completion
Meanwhile, restoration work at the Janibilli Intake is progressing on a war footing, with the temporary ponding arrangement nearing completion.
According to the department, the temporary ponding arrangement has reached approximately 99% completion. Construction of a sand bund near the intake point is continuing at an accelerated pace to facilitate the restoration process.
Around 15,000 sandbags have already been placed at the site, while another 5,000 were scheduled to be placed on Monday. Dedicated manpower and machinery have been deployed to complete the work.
An Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force team has also been stationed at the site to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in the restoration activities.
Additional support for urban local bodies
The Housing and Urban Development Department has extended additional administrative support to the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to strengthen field-level coordination and speed up emergency response measures.
Additional officials have been deployed to assist the local bodies in managing restoration and relief operations. The department has also permitted the ULBs to utilise their available financial resources according to their requirements for urgent restoration and relief activities.
The department is closely supervising the ongoing interventions, with particular emphasis on augmenting water supply, maintaining drinking water quality and completing restoration work at the Janibilli Intake.
With alternative water sources, tanker services and emergency infrastructure measures being mobilised simultaneously, the state government is working to restore normal drinking water supply in Brahmapur at the earliest.
