Bhubaneswar, 18 August (H.S.): The Odisha government has intensified efforts to ensure the availability of safe drinking water in flood-affected areas, with a focus on preventing water-borne diseases and protecting public health.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), in a social media post, said that as of 5 pm on August 17, water sources of 1,461 flood-affected tubewells and 89 Piped Water Supply (PWS) projects had been disinfected across the affected areas.

Along with disinfection of water sources, regular water-quality testing is being conducted to ensure that safe drinking water is supplied to flood-affected residents.

To maintain drinking water availability in areas affected by the floods, the government is operating 27 water tankers, 69 Sintex tank vehicles and six mobile water treatment units.

In areas experiencing power outages, PWS projects are being operated with the assistance of DG sets to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

The situation is being continuously monitored through dedicated control rooms, with authorities instructed to take prompt action wherever required.

The government is also focusing on providing immediate healthcare services, medicines and medical check-ups in flood-affected areas and relief camps.

According to the CMO, special attention is being given to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, elderly persons and people with existing illnesses, to minimise health risks and prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.

The state government said measures are being taken on a continuous basis to ensure access to safe drinking water, essential healthcare and other necessary services for people affected by the floods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda