Post-Cyclone Restoration Drive Gains Momentum as Odisha Rushes to Revive Berhampur Water Supply
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department has intensified efforts to restore drinking water supply in Berhampur following cyclone-induced damage to the Janivili Intake system, a crucial source for the city’s water distribution network.
As of Saturday morning, Berhampur was receiving approximately 70 Million Litres Per Day (MLD) of water against its normal demand of 90 MLD.
Authorities have compensated for the shortfall by augmenting supply through 15 production wells, which are collectively contributing 6 MLD of water, while surface water sources continue to provide 64 MLD.
To ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water in affected areas, 20 water tankers, including 12 privately hired vehicles, have been deployed across the city.
The department has also strengthened water quality management measures.
Enhanced chlorination protocols have been implemented at various stages of the distribution process to ensure the safety of drinking water supplied to residents.
The primary focus remains the restoration of the damaged Janivili Intake infrastructure.
A large-scale emergency operation is underway to construct a temporary sandbag barrier across Connecticut Nala, enabling workers to regulate water flow and carry out repair work effectively.
The restoration effort involves around 120 labourers, three excavators, two tractors, and nearly 20,000 sandbags.
Authorities have made extensive arrangements, including lighting, power supply, transportation, food, accommodation, and drinking water facilities, to facilitate uninterrupted round-the-clock work at the site.
Officials said water supply systems in Hinjilikatu and Gopalpur are functioning normally despite the cyclone’s impact.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of H&UD Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty, are closely monitoring the restoration process.
The state government has also extended administrative and financial support to local authorities to expedite recovery efforts.
The ongoing operation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the swift restoration of essential civic services and minimising inconvenience to residents in the cyclone-affected region.
