Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a mission-mode restoration drive at Janivili Anicut following extensive damage caused by floods, prioritising the repair of the critical water infrastructure that sustains the drinking water supply to Brahmapur city and its adjoining areas.
The Department of Water Resources has accorded top priority to the restoration work, recognising the anicut’s importance in meeting the drinking water needs of lakhs of residents.
The restoration plan focuses on strengthening the damaged left-side abutment and rehabilitating the upstream and downstream aprons to ensure structural stability and the long-term functionality of the anicut.
As part of the immediate measures, stone dumping is being carried out upstream to divert river water towards the WATCO cofferdam, which supports the city’s drinking water supply system. Preparatory work is also underway for reconstructing the damaged components, including the left-side abutment and the upstream and downstream aprons.
These interventions are intended to establish safe working conditions for carrying out permanent restoration work.
The Odisha Construction Corporation Limited has been entrusted with the restoration project and is executing it under the close supervision of the Department of Water Resources.
Manpower, machinery and construction materials have been mobilised on a war footing to expedite the work. Multiple activities are being carried out simultaneously to ensure early completion of the restoration process.
Janivili Anicut plays a crucial role in ensuring drinking water security for Berhampur. The WATCO-managed water supply system serves as the city’s primary drinking water lifeline, supplying approximately 90 million litres per day to nearly 70,000 households and benefiting more than five lakh people.
Through continuous monitoring, coordinated execution, and swift intervention, the Department of Water Resources is making concerted efforts to restore the damaged infrastructure at the earliest.
The ongoing operation reflects the government’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure, strengthening resilience against natural disasters and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to the people of Odisha.
