Bhubaneswar: The Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, has intensified emergency measures to restore normal water supply in Bramhapur following the impact of the cyclone. Restoration work at the Janivili Intake is being undertaken on a war footing, while alternative arrangements have been put in place to minimise inconvenience to consumers.
As per the status report as of 10 AM on November 1, against the city’s daily water demand of 90 Million Litres per Day (MLD), a total of 70 MLD is currently being supplied. This includes 64 MLD from the surface water source and an additional 6 MLD from 15 production wells mobilised to augment the supply.
To further support water distribution, 20 tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been deployed to cater to the requirements of affected areas.
Enhanced Measures to Ensure Water Quality
In view of the importance of safe drinking water during the post-cyclone period, enhanced chlorination measures are being maintained at the treatment plants. Pre-chlorination at 4 ppm and post-chlorination at 10 ppm are being ensured, along with 2 ppm chlorination in tail-end distribution zones. These measures are aimed at maintaining water quality and safeguarding public health.
Meanwhile, water supply in Hinjilikatu and Gopalpur is functioning smoothly.
Janivili Intake Restoration Underway on a War Footing
Restoration of the Janivili Intake has been accorded top priority. As an immediate intervention, temporary ponding arrangements are being undertaken through the construction of a sandbag barrier across Connecticut Nala near the intake point. The temporary structure is intended to restrict water flow and facilitate the restoration of the intake infrastructure.
The sand bund construction work commenced at 5 AM on November 1. Around 120 labourers, three excavators and two tractors have been deployed for the operation. Approximately 20,000 sandbags are proposed to be placed to create the temporary barrier.
Adequate arrangements have also been made for the transportation of materials, power supply, lighting, accommodation, food and drinking water for the deployed workforce to facilitate uninterrupted operations, including night-time work.
The operation is being carried out in a coordinated manner to complete the temporary barrier at the earliest. Immediately after achieving the required restriction of water flow, cleaning, repair and restoration of the Janivili Intake will be taken up.
Senior-Level Monitoring and Additional Support
The restoration and emergency response operations are being personally monitored by Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Arindam Dakua, Director, Municipal Administration (DMA), and Debabrata Mohanty, Managing Director, WATCO.
They are closely coordinating with field-level officials to ensure effective implementation of emergency measures, expeditious restoration of the intake infrastructure and 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 expedite restoration activities. Additional officials have been deployed, and ULBs have been authorised to utilise available financial resources as required for emergency response and restoration measures.
The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the concerned authorities to ensure timely interventions.
The Housing & Urban Development Department is maintaining continuous supervision of all restoration activities, with a focus on augmenting water supply through alternative sources, ensuring water quality and expediting the restoration of the Janivili Intake. All necessary measures are being taken to restore normal water supply in Berhampur at the earliest.
