Jajpur: The District Mineral Fund and the rural development (RD) department will launch a mega water supply project with an estimated cost of Rs 55.17 crore, much to the relief of thousands of people of Sukinda mining area.
The project envisaged at supplying water in the mine areas under Sukinda block will directly benefit 26,736 people of 25 villages under four panchayats.
The project was finalised by the rural water supply and sanitation (RWSS) department, Chandikhole division. The department has also sent a letter to the superintendent engineer for the release of tenders and other formalities.
The block faces severe water scarcity during summer. Rampant mining has gradually affected the water quality and depleted the groundwater. Although there are over 1,300 tube-wells in the area, many are lying defunct.
Although the mining companies are supposed to supply drinking water through tankers as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programme, none of them seem to follow the guidelines. There are about 30 water supply projects in the block but most of the pipelines release water with high chromite content.
Locals have no option but to depend of ponds and other water bodies, but these too are polluted due to release of untreated industrial waste. As a result, the villagers fall victim to various diseases.
Keeping the water woes of people in mind, the administration had several years ago planned to launch a mega water supply project. The wait for years has come to an end after the project was sanctioned Thursday.
The project work will commence no sooner the tenders are floated, officials said. The project will supply water through pipelines from water sources near Brahmani in Bhuban. The DMF has already allocated Rs 33.92 crore for the project. The remaining amount will be allocated by the RD department, it was learnt.
“We have tried to attract the notice of the superintending engineer of Cuttack to sanction the project. Hopefully, we will finish the tender process and commence the project work,” said RSWSS executive engineer Amiya Parija. PNN
