Bhubaneswar: In a major push to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases during the monsoon season, the Odisha government has undertaken the cleaning of over 5.3 lakh tube wells across all 30 districts, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik informed on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Naik emphasised the state’s proactive approach in safeguarding public health, especially in the wake of recent diarrhoea outbreaks reported from various regions.
“We have cleaned approximately 5.3 lakh tube wells, including public and private sources, particularly in saline-prone areas. The cleaning drive also covered overhead tanks and deep borewells,” he said.
The minister added that in the coastal belt—where the risk of water contamination is significantly higher—a second round of 100% tube well cleaning has been completed to ensure added protection.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling have issued stringent directives to officials from the Health Department, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS), and the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) to ensure that all water sources are thoroughly sanitized.
Minister Naik also urged the public to drink only boiled water and to rely on verified clean tube wells for daily consumption. He reassured citizens that the recent diarrhoea outbreak is under control and that monitoring efforts are ongoing.
With monsoon rains increasing the vulnerability to waterborne infections, the state government’s efforts aim to minimise health risks and ensure access to safe drinking water across Odisha.
