Angul: Even though mercury has shot up to 42 degrees, the district administration is yet to set up a water kiosk as had been decided in March 18 Natural Disaster Management meeting here.
In the meeting held last month, several important decisions were taken to tackle heatstroke like situations and issues arising out of scarcity of drinking water in presence of Collector Manoj Kumar Mohanty, District Emergency Officer and other officials.
It had been decided to open 24X7 control rooms at the district office and at all the offices dealing with irrigation and sun stroke. It was also decided to open water kiosks at municipal, rural and industrial areas. Those apart, concerned officials were also directed to facilitate drinking water through tankers.
The collector had also directed a gazetted officer to monitor these plans.
However, as things go here most of the times, the plan never had a life of its own beyond the board room. On the other hand, people continue to experience acute drinking water shortage. Two days ago, sun stroke allegedly claimed life of a person, belonging to Munda Sahi.
Locals further alleged that nobody is there to answer to the calls at the emergency control room.
“The administration is preoccupied with election work. That is why the decisions taken at the Natural Disaster Management meeting are yet to be addressed,” said a local resident while adding, “the role of the civic authority is also found wanting here”.
Despite our repeated attempt to contact the municipality Executive Officer over his mobile phone, he did not respond. However, when contacted, Collector Mohanty promised to look into the issue.
