Odisha government plans to 'purify' Daya water

Bhubaneswar: As part of the Swachh Abhiyan, the State Government is mulling over possible measures to ensure that the river Daya, which flows from the Capital city to Puri district, maintains continuous and unpolluted flow.

During a meeting, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty discussed on the steps the government would be initiating to clean the so called 'poisoned' Daya River.

"Wastewater from drains and sewerage lines in the city are discharged into the Gangua Canal. The water filled with effluents of Gangua Canal flows into Daya River and pollutes it," Mohanty said.

A detailed project report will be prepared not only for cleaning Daya, but also for building ponds adjacent to the river, if required, for drinking purpose, he added.

"A technical team will test the samples of the drinking water supplied by RWSS, check the quality of water and also provide measures to improve the quality. Based on the report the team submits within 15 days, the next meeting will be held where a decision will be taken to undertake further provisions," informed Mohanty.

This apart, the minister said that the government will take steps to allow water of adjacent rivers to mix with Daya river and also suggested on setting up ponds in the areas where the river water is totally of no use.

Meanwhile, slum dwellers living close to the river have alleged that the water is not fit for drinking and bathing purpose, neither it can be used for agriculture.