Bizzare! Tubewell in Odisha's Kendrapara discharges saline water

Residents of Koilipur panchayat in Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district are grappling with severe drinking water crisis. Allegedly, the sole source of groundwater, a tube well, has been dispensing saline water, leaving it unsuitable for drinking, sources said on Wednesday.

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As a result, residents in Ward No-1 and 2 have resorted to using river water for their daily household requirements. Despite numerous complaints made to the Rajkanika block office and relevant departments, local villagers lament that no satisfactory measures have been implemented yet. Over 60 families depend on the sole source of drinking water.

Rising temperatures have added to their woes. However, officials from the concerned departments have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation of the matter and find a solution promptly, assuring the community that the matter is receiving due attention.

“The tubewell has been dispensing saline water for the past one year. We had previously lodged complaints and they (the officials concerned) came for a field visit, but no action has been taken thereafter. We are suffering from diseases by drinking the saline and impure water,” a woman resident of Ward No-1, Narmada Sahu said to OTV.

“They had a tubewell in Tarupada village, which was earlier dispensing saline water initially for sometime in a day and normal water thereafter. The residents have alleged that it has now been dispensing only saline water throughout the day.  We will look into the issue and resolve the problem soon,” a senior officer of the block office expressed.

Infrastructure challenges and delays in water projects:

Multiple large-scale water supply projects, including those aimed at providing pipelined drinking water to saline-affected coastal areas, have been significantly delayed. Administrative bottlenecks, bureaucratic red tape, and financial constraints are hindering progress, leaving residents in several blocks dependent on a limited number of tubewells and making them vulnerable during the peak of summer.

Innovative solutions and interim measures:

In response to the immediate water shortage, authorities have implemented innovative yet interim solutions such as dredging the Luna riverbed to restore water flow. This measure, which has allowed for a continuous water supply in Kendrapara town, is complemented by efforts to repair defunct tubewells and supply water through tankers, though these actions cover only part of the district's needs.

Environmental and climatic impacts:

Kendrapara's water crisis is further aggravated by its exposure to extreme climatic events, including floods, droughts, and cyclones. Environmental challenges such as salinity intrusion into groundwater and the drying up of rivers and aquifers compound the crisis, creating a complex scenario where both overabundance and scarcity of water threaten the region's sustainability.

Future directions and policy recommendations:

To mitigate the ongoing water crisis, a comprehensive strategy is required that integrates accelerated infrastructure development with sustainable water management practices. Recommendations include fast-tracking project completion, implementing robust monitoring systems, promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge methods, and encouraging community participation.

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Policy reforms aimed at overcoming bureaucratic delays and ensuring better resource allocation are crucial for long-term water security in the district.