Balimela Reservoir Water to Provide Permanent Piped Drinking Water Supply in Chitrakonda

Joint Field Review by Superintending Engineer and RWSS Executive Engineer; Technical Report to Pave Way for Water Allocation Approval

Manas Mallik,Odishabarta

Malkangiri, September 10, 2026:A significant step has been taken towards finding a permanent solution to the drinking water problems faced by people in the Chitrakonda area, with authorities exploring the use of water from the Balimela Reservoir for a major piped drinking water supply project.

As part of the initiative, a joint field inspection was conducted near Bisoyiguda village to assess the availability and sustainability of water in the Balimela reservoir. The inspection was carried out by the Superintending Engineer of the Chitrakonda Earth Dam Department and the Executive Engineer of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) Department, along with officials from the concerned departments.

During the inspection, the senior officials reviewed the reservoir’s present water level and discussed the technical feasibility of drawing water for the proposed permanent piped water supply scheme. Particular attention was given to ensuring that an adequate quantity of water would remain available to meet the drinking water requirements of the targeted villages throughout the year.

According to officials, the joint assessment is an important step towards obtaining the necessary water allocation permission from the State Water Resources Department. Following the field assessment, a technical report is expected to be prepared and submitted to the government for consideration of the proposed mega drinking water project.

The project, if approved and implemented, is expected to bring clean and reliable piped drinking water to several villages in and around the Bisoyiguda area. For years, many rural households in the region have depended on alternative and often seasonal sources for their daily drinking water needs.

The proposed reservoir-based water supply system could therefore provide a more dependable solution to recurring water shortages, particularly during the summer months. It is also expected to reduce the hardship faced by villagers who currently depend on limited local water sources.

The latest joint inspection has generated fresh hope among people in the area that the long-pending drinking water issue could finally receive a permanent solution. The submission of the technical report and subsequent approval from the competent authorities will now be crucial for taking the project forward.