Sambalpur: A new 15 MLD water treatment plant may soon come up in this western Odisha city with the Central Public Health and Engineering Organisation (CPHEO) approving a proposal in this regard.
The Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) of Sambalpur had sent a proposal for the 15 MLD water treatment plant around one year ago.
There is already a water treatment plant at Bareipali of the city. However, the PHED had sent the proposal for setting up another water treatment plant to ensure equal distribution of water to the entire city.
Executive engineer of the public health and engineering department, Hadibandhu Behera said, ?the proposal has already been approved by the Government of India. The other official process will start after the election code of conduct cease to exist. The water problem of the city will be resolved after the project is materialised.?
It has been proposed to set up the 15 MLD water treatment plant at the PHED ground of the city. Apart from the treatment plant, it has also been proposed to develop underground sumps and overhead tanks at different places of the city in this project. The estimated budget for the new project is Rs 38.81 crore.
Official sources said, "Sambalpur does not face water scarcity. However, distribution of water is a major problem.
The city requires 28 MLD now and the capacity of the existing water treatment plant, located at Bareipali of the city, is 42 MLD water. But as the city has expanded considerably, far off places often experience water problem due to lack of pressure.
"However distribution of water to the entire city will be possible after the new project is materialized?, he said.
"Some parts of Kulthkani, Bhatra, Santinagar, Sunapali, Sakhipara, Talbhatapara area of the city face severe water problem during summer If the project is materialised, the residents here will find relief," said local resident, Priya Ranjan Purohit.