Bhubaneswar: The state government has launched a mission-mode restoration drive at Janivili anicut following extensive damage to the vital water infrastructure during floods, prioritising the protection of drinking water supply to Brahmapur city and its adjoining areas.
The Department of Water Resources has accorded top priority to the restoration work, recognising the anicut’s crucial role in sustaining the city’s drinking water supply. The ongoing operation focuses on strengthening the damaged left-side abutment and rehabilitating the upstream and downstream aprons to ensure the structure’s stability and long-term functionality.
As an immediate measure, stone dumping is being undertaken upstream to divert river water towards the WATCO cofferdam, which supports the city’s drinking water supply system. Simultaneously, preparatory work is underway for the reconstruction of the damaged components. The measures are intended to ensure safe working conditions for carrying out permanent restoration.
The Odisha Construction Corporation Limited (OCCL) has been entrusted with the execution of the restoration project under the close supervision of the Water Resources Department. Manpower, machinery and construction materials have been mobilised on a war footing, with multiple activities being carried out simultaneously to expedite the work.
The Janivili anicut is a critical component of Brahmapur’s drinking water infrastructure. The WATCO-managed supply system caters to nearly 70,000 households, providing around 90 million litres of water per day (MLD) and benefiting more than five lakh people.
Given the structure’s importance to the city’s water security, the department is closely monitoring the restoration work to ensure its early completion. The coordinated efforts are aimed at restoring the damaged infrastructure at the earliest while ensuring the continued availability of drinking water to the city’s residents.
