Bhubaneswar, November 2: The Odisha Government has stepped up efforts to restore normal water supply in Brahmapur following disruptions caused by Cyclone ‘Arnab’, with the Housing and Urban Development Department, in coordination with WATCO, augmenting the daily supply to 72 million litres per day (MLD) and deploying 46 water tankers to meet the needs of affected residents.

The Department is adopting multiple measures to minimise public inconvenience, ensure the availability of safe drinking water and expedite restoration work at the Janibilli Intake.

Water Supply Strengthened Through Alternative Sources

The total water supply in Brahmapur has been increased to 72 MLD, including 64 MLD from surface water sources and an additional 8 MLD generated through 18 production wells pressed into service to strengthen the distribution network.

Besides, 46 water tankers, including 12 privately operated vehicles, have been deployed to ensure adequate water supply to affected localities.

Water supply to MKCG Medical College and Hospital and IISER has been restored and is now functioning normally. Supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur also continues without disruption.

Chlorination Measures Intensified to Ensure Water Safety

The Department has intensified water treatment and disinfection measures to ensure the supply of safe drinking water. Super chlorination is being maintained at treatment plants, with pre-chlorination at 4 ppm and post-chlorination at 10 ppm.

In addition, a chlorine level of 2 ppm is being maintained in tail-end distribution areas to ensure water quality and protect public health.

A Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) has also reached the Brahmapur Division Office to strengthen operational preparedness and support emergency response efforts.

Janibilli Intake Restoration Work Nears Completion

Restoration work at the Janibilli Intake is progressing on a war footing. The temporary ponding arrangement has reached nearly 99 per cent completion, while construction of sand bunds near the intake point is being expedited.

Around 15,000 sandbags have already been placed at the site, with another 5,000 scheduled to be deployed on Monday. A dedicated workforce, along with necessary machinery, has been mobilised to accelerate the work.

An Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team has also been deployed at the site to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in the restoration operation.

Additional Administrative and Financial Assistance

The Housing and Urban Development Department has extended administrative support to the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by deploying additional officials to strengthen field-level coordination and speed up emergency response measures.

The affected ULBs have also been authorised to utilise their available financial resources, according to their requirements, to carry out urgent restoration and relief operations.

The Department is closely monitoring all ongoing interventions, with particular emphasis on augmenting water supply, maintaining drinking water quality and expediting restoration of the Janibilli Intake.

It has reiterated that all necessary steps are being taken to minimise hardships for residents and restore normal water supply across Brahmapur at the earliest.