Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Brahmapur Water Supply; WATCO Works Round the Clock to Restore Janivili Intake
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar/ Brahmapur, November 1: Water supply in Brahmapur remains partially disrupted following the impact of Cyclone Arnab, with restoration work at the Janivili Intake being undertaken on a war footing by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO). Meanwhile, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has put alternative arrangements in place to minimise inconvenience to residents.
Speaking to Odishabarta, the Additional Chief Engineer, WATCO, said restoration work at the Janivili Intake was being expedited, while alternative sources were being utilised to maintain water supply to affected localities.
According to the H&UD Department’s status report as of 10 AM, Brahmapur is receiving 70 million litres per day (MLD) against its daily requirement of 90 MLD, leaving a shortfall of 20 MLD. Of the current supply, 64 MLD is being sourced from surface water, while 6 MLD is being provided through 15 production wells mobilised as an emergency measure.
To strengthen distribution, 20 water tankers, including 12 private tankers, have been deployed to serve affected localities under the department’s directions.
The restoration operation is being closely monitored by Additional Chief Secretary, H&UD Department, Usha Padhee; Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua; and WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty. Additional administrative and technical personnel have also been deployed to support field operations and expedite restoration.
Sandbag barrier to facilitate intake restoration
The immediate priority is to restrict water flow near the Janivili Intake so that cleaning, repairs and restoration can be undertaken. As a temporary intervention, a sandbag barrier is being constructed across Connecticut Nala near the intake point to create the necessary conditions for restoration.
Construction of the sand bund commenced at 5 AM on November 1, with around 120 labourers, three excavators and two tractors deployed. Approximately 20,000 sandbags are proposed to be placed to complete the temporary barrier.
Arrangements have also been made for the uninterrupted supply of construction materials, electricity, lighting, accommodation, food and drinking water for the workforce to ensure that operations continue through the night.
Once the required restriction of water flow is achieved, cleaning and repair work at the Janivili Intake will be taken up immediately.
Drinking water safety under close watch
The department has also intensified measures to maintain drinking water quality during the post-cyclone period. Enhanced chlorination is being maintained at treatment plants, with pre-chlorination at 4 parts per million (ppm) and post-chlorination at 10 ppm. An additional 2 ppm chlorination is being ensured in tail-end distribution zones as a precautionary public health measure.
Meanwhile, water supply in Hinjilicut and Gopalpur is functioning normally, according to the department.
The H&UD Department has assured continuous monitoring of restoration activities, with emphasis on augmenting supply through alternative sources, maintaining water quality and completing the Janivili Intake restoration at the earliest.
With the city currently receiving 20 MLD less than its daily requirement, residents in affected localities will have to depend on the alternative supply arrangements until the intake infrastructure is restored and normal water distribution resumes.
