Janibili water project being restored after cyclone

Brahmapur: The Janibili Water Supply Project, a critical drinking water lifeline for Brahmapur, is nearing full restoration following disruptions caused by cyclone Arnab. In a major breakthrough, the temporary ponding arrangement at the Janibili intake point is 99 per cent complete, sparking hope that normal water supply will resume shortly.

The Housing and Urban Development Department, in coordination with WATCO, has taken up the restoration operation on a war footing. Around 15,000 sandbags have already been placed near the intake point, with an additional 5,000 deployed on Monday to reinforce the temporary sand bund.

Dedicated manpower and machinery have been pressed into service, with an ODRAF team stationed at the site to ensure the safety of workers. While efforts are underway to revive the Janibili intake, the department has augmented Brahmapur’s drinking water supply to 72 million litres per day (MLD) through alternative sources. Of this, 64 MLD is being supplied from the surface water source and 8 MLD through 18 production wells.

To ease the hardship of residents in 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 uninterrupted.

The department has simultaneously intensified water quality monitoring through enhanced chlorination at treatment plants and distribution points. A Mobile Treatment Unit has also reached the Brahmapur Division Office to strengthen emergency preparedness.

Additional officials have been deployed to assist the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and other affected urban local bodies in coordinating restoration and relief measures. They have also been allowed to utilise available financial resources to meet urgent requirements. The H&UD Department is closely monitoring the restoration operation, with the revival of the Janibili intake remaining a priority for restoring normal drinking water supply to Brahmapur.

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Sunil Mohan Patnaik

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