Cobra in drinking water supply tank sparks panic in Odisha’s Nuapada village

Panic gripped Rishi village under Khariar block in Nuapada district after a cobra was spotted inside the drinking water tank supplying the locality for several days. Following the incident, water supply to the area has been halted, leaving villagers without access to safe drinking water.

Despite repeated intimation, residents alleged that the administration has not taken any concrete step to address the problem. Forest department personnel visited the village on Tuesday and made attempts to remove the reptile but failed to capture it.

Villagers have demanded immediate action to flush out the snake and cover the tank properly to prevent such incidents in the future.

Locals further alleged that due to the negligence of the contractor, garbage and other waste materials frequently enter the tank, contaminating the water supply.

With the situation unresolved, the villagers continue to face hardship and have urged the authorities to act swiftly to ensure clean and safe drinking water.

“Had the tank been covered, the snake could not have entered. There is a danger to the villagers,” said Dolamani Jani, a villager.

Commenting on the matter, water supplies official Paresh Dal said, “I have informed the authorities to install a cover on the tank. It will be fixed soon.”