Bhubaneswar, 02 November (H.S.): The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department, in coordination with WATCO, has intensified emergency measures to restore normal water supply in Brahmapur following the impact of Cyclone Arnab. The department is augmenting supplies through alternative sources while expediting restoration work at the Janivili intake to minimise inconvenience to residents and ensure access to safe drinking water.

Water supply in the city has been increased to 72 million litres per day (MLD), comprising 64 MLD from the surface water source and an additional 8 MLD through 18 operational production wells mobilised to strengthen the distribution network.

To meet the requirements of affected localities, 46 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been deployed. Water supply to MKCG Medical College and Hospital and IISER has also been restored. Supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur continues to remain normal.

The department is maintaining enhanced chlorination measures at treatment plants to ensure the safety of drinking water. Pre-chlorination is being carried out at 4 ppm and post-chlorination at 10 ppm. In addition, chlorination at 2 ppm is being ensured in tail-end distribution zones to maintain water quality and protect public health.

One Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) has also reached the Brahmapur Division Office to strengthen operational preparedness.

Meanwhile, restoration work at the Janivili intake is progressing on a war footing. The temporary ponding arrangement has reached approximately 99 per cent completion, while construction of a sand bund near the intake point is being expedited. Around 15,000 sandbags have already been placed, with another 5,000 scheduled to be installed on Monday. Dedicated personnel and machinery have been deployed for the work. An Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team has also been stationed at the site to ensure the safety of workers engaged in restoration activities.

The department has extended additional administrative support to the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by deploying more officials to strengthen field-level coordination and accelerate emergency response measures. The ULBs have also been permitted to utilise their available financial resources according to requirements for urgent restoration and relief work.

The Housing and Urban Development Department is closely monitoring all ongoing interventions, with particular emphasis on augmenting water supply and maintaining drinking water quality. It said all necessary measures were being taken to minimise public inconvenience and restore normal water supply in Brahmapur at the earliest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda