The Minister chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess the city's preparedness and ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water throughout the festival. WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty, along with senior departmental officials, engineers and project personnel, briefed him on the progress of key infrastructure projects and special arrangements for the annual festival.
During the field inspection, the Minister examined the progress of critical components of the 42 MLD Water Treatment Plant, including the clarifier, filtration unit, equipment installation and supporting infrastructure. Emphasising the project's importance in meeting Puri's growing water demand, he directed the executing agencies to expedite construction while maintaining the highest quality standards.
"The population of Puri increases manifold during Rath Yatra. Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to devotees and residents is our top priority. All agencies must remain fully prepared to respond to any contingency," the Minister said.
He also reviewed round-the-clock water supply arrangements around the Shree Jagannath Temple, pilgrim accommodations, temporary camps and other key locations across the city. Officials were instructed to maintain continuous monitoring of the distribution network and ensure standby pumps, power backup systems and emergency response mechanisms remain fully operational.
To strengthen emergency preparedness, WATCO has deployed mobile water tankers, established temporary water distribution points and kept emergency response teams on standby to address any disruption in water supply. A dedicated control room will function round the clock during the Rath Yatra to ensure swift response and uninterrupted services.
Mahapatra further directed officials to complete the Water Treatment Plant within the stipulated timeline without compromising quality, warning that any negligence or deviation from prescribed standards would be dealt with seriously.
Reaffirming the State Government's commitment to providing seamless civic services during the annual festival, the Minister said the Housing and Urban Development Department and WATCO are fully prepared to ensure a smooth, safe and well-managed Rath Yatra with uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for devotees and residents alike.
