Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department has intensified efforts to restore normal water supply in Berhampur following the impact of the cyclone. Restoration work at the Janivili Intake is underway on a war footing, while alternative arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted water supply to affected areas.

According to the department's status report as of 10 AM on November 1, Berhampur is receiving 70 million litres per day (MLD) against its daily requirement of 90 MLD. Of this, 64 MLD is being supplied through the surface water source, while 6 MLD is being provided through 15 production wells.

To meet the needs of residents, 20 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been deployed in different parts of the city.

Special Measures to Ensure Safe Drinking Water

The department has also stepped up chlorination at treatment plants and distribution points to maintain drinking water quality and prevent health risks during the post-cyclone period. Additional chlorination measures are being followed in tail-end distribution areas.

Meanwhile, water supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur continues to function normally.

Janivili Intake Restoration Gets Priority

The restoration of the Janivili Intake has been given top priority. As an immediate measure, a temporary sandbag barrier is being constructed across Connecticut Nala near the intake point to restrict water flow and facilitate repair work.

The construction began at 5 AM on November 1, with around 120 workers, three excavators and two tractors deployed. Nearly 20,000 sandbags are expected to be used to build the temporary barrier.

Arrangements have also been made for electricity, lighting, transportation, food, drinking water and accommodation for workers to ensure that the restoration work continues without interruption, including at night.

Once the required water flow is restricted, cleaning, repair and restoration of the intake infrastructure will begin.

Senior Officials Monitor Restoration Work

Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua and WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty are closely monitoring the restoration operations.

Additional administrative and technical support has also been extended to Berhampur Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies to speed up the work.

The department said all necessary steps are being taken to increase water supply through alternative sources, maintain drinking water quality and restore normal supply in Berhampur at the earliest.