Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department, in coordination with the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), has augmented water supply in Brahmapur to 72 million litres per day (MLD) and intensified efforts to restore the Janibilli intake following damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, an official statement said on Monday.
Of the total supply, 64 MLD is being sourced from surface water, while another 8 MLD is being supplied through 18 production wells mobilised to strengthen the distribution network.
To meet the drinking water requirements of affected localities, 46 tankers, including 12 private ones, have been deployed. Water supply to MKCG Medical College and Hospital and IISER has also been restored, while supplies in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur are continuing normally.
The temporary ponding arrangement at the Janibilli intake has reached around 99 per cent completion, with construction of a sand bund near the intake point progressing on a war footing. Around 15,000 sandbags have already been placed, while another 5,000 are scheduled to be deployed on Monday.
An Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team has been deployed at the site to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in restoration work. Dedicated manpower and machinery have also been mobilised to expedite the process.
Meanwhile, the department has stepped up measures to ensure the safety of drinking water. Super chlorination is being maintained at treatment plants, with pre-chlorination at 4 ppm and post-chlorination at 10 ppm. Chlorination at 2 ppm is also being ensured in tail-end distribution areas to maintain water quality and protect public health.
A Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) has reached the Brahmapur Division Office to further strengthen operational preparedness.
The department has also extended administrative support to the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by deploying additional officials for field-level coordination. The civic bodies have been authorised to utilise available financial resources as required for urgent restoration and relief operations.
The Housing and Urban Development Department is closely monitoring the ongoing interventions, with emphasis on augmenting water supply, maintaining drinking water quality and restoring normal supply in Brahmapur at the earliest.
