Bhubaneswar, 01 November (H.S.): The Odisha Government has intensified emergency measures to restore normal water supply in Berhampur following the impact of the cyclone, with restoration work at the Janivili Intake being undertaken on a war footing.

The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has put alternative arrangements in place to minimise inconvenience to residents while efforts are underway to restore the damaged water intake infrastructure.

According to the department's status report as of 10 AM on November 1, Berhampur is currently receiving 70 million litres per day (MLD) against its daily requirement of 90 MLD. Of the total supply, 64 MLD is being sourced from surface water, while another 6 MLD is being provided through 15 production wells mobilised to augment the city's water supply.

To ensure adequate distribution, 20 water tankers, including 12 privately operated tankers, have been deployed to supply water to affected areas.

In view of the potential risk of water contamination in the aftermath of the cyclone, the department has strengthened chlorination measures to ensure the safety of drinking water.

Pre-chlorination at 4 ppm and post-chlorination at 10 ppm are being maintained at treatment plants, while 2 ppm chlorination is being ensured in tail-end distribution zones. These measures are aimed at maintaining water quality and preventing public health risks.

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

Restoration of the Janivili Intake has been accorded top priority. As an immediate measure, temporary ponding arrangements are being created by constructing a sandbag barrier across Connecticut Nala near the intake point. The temporary structure is intended to restrict water flow and facilitate the restoration of the intake infrastructure.

Construction of the sand bund began at 5 AM on November 1. Around 120 labourers, three excavators and two tractors have been deployed for the operation. Approximately 20,000 sandbags are proposed to be placed to build the temporary barrier.

The department has also made arrangements for the uninterrupted transportation of materials, electricity supply, lighting, accommodation, food and drinking water for the workforce. These facilities will enable round-the-clock operations, including work during night hours.

The operation is being carried out in a coordinated manner to complete the temporary barrier at the earliest. Once the required restriction of water flow is achieved, cleaning, repairs and restoration of the Janivili Intake will be taken up immediately.

The emergency response and restoration operations are being closely monitored by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee; Director of Municipal Administration (DMA), Arindam Dakua; and Managing Director of WATCO, Debabrata Mohanty.

The senior officials are coordinating with field-level authorities to ensure effective implementation of emergency measures, speedy restoration of the intake infrastructure and early normalisation of water supply in Berhampur.

The department has extended additional administrative and operational support to the Berhampur Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to strengthen field-level coordination and expedite restoration work.

Additional officials have been deployed, while ULBs have been authorised to utilise available financial resources as required for emergency response and restoration activities.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the concerned authorities to ensure timely intervention and restoration of essential services in the cyclone-affected areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda