Puri: Even though the Odisha government is announcing a plethora of developmental projects in the State, locals in and around Konark, a UNESCO world heritage site, are struggling to access basic survival need- potable water.
According to sources, pipes to supply drinking water were laid at 13 wards in Konark Notified Area Council (NAC) spanning 59 KMs. However, locals alleged that safe drinking water is still a distant dream for them. While some taps have broken down, some churn out muddy and water with a high-iron density.
Locals alleged, "Two stand posts were installed at ward number-3 to provide drinking water to over 500 residents of Sijugoradi and Mulisahi. But, they are of no use as they churn out muddy and water with high-iron concentration."
Similarly, in ward- 1, 2, 9 and 11, scenes of water flowing continuously through the stand posts are rampant. "A large number out of the 260 hand pumps and 72 stand posts installed in the NAC, are defunct," alleged the locals.
“There are only two taps for as many as 1000 residents. These taps are of no use as muddy water comes out of it. Despite our repeated complaints, it has yielded no results,” alleges Ramesh Chandra Swain, resident of Mulisahi.
Echoing the same voice, Lata Rout, a resident of ward number-5 said, “The water can neither be used for cooking, nor for other household stuff. Since last one and half months we are not getting potable water.”
Reacting on the allegations, executive engineer of Nimapara Public Health department Girish Chandra Bala said, "A over-head tank along with four ground reserve tanks have been set up to provide potable water to 13 wards in the NAC."
"As the ground water contains high-salt, it is difficult to provide clean drinking water. To address the crisis, four more new ground reserve tanks will be set up soon," he added.