Jajpur: In the wake of malnutrition deaths in Nagada under Sukinda block in this district, the rural water supply and sanitation (RWSS) department has prepared an elaborate plan to ensure supply of purified drinking water to residents of the remote area.
RWSS department has decided to treat impure water of springs through solar energy and supply them through pipelines to Nagada, Guhiasala, Tamuni and Naliadaba and Ashokjhar.
Juang tribals inhabiting these villages drink impure water of springs and get affected by various water-borne ailments eventually leading to their deaths.
The issue assumed significance after over 18 kids reportedly died due to malnutrition and other ailments in Nagada. Concerned over the development, the state government decided to construct roads, provide healthcare facilities, education, food, power supply and drinking water to the villages.
The department arrived at the decision after a team from RWSS Chandikhole division visited Nagada and made an in-depth study of the area for supplying drinking water. During the survey, the team found that installing tube-wells in Nagada was impossible as the village is situated on hilltop and is located at a distance of about 12 km from Ashokjhar at the foothill.
The tribal residents collect water for their daily use by blocking the flow of streams with the help of small embankments. In face of these difficulties, the department decided to install a water-treatment plant near the spring where the water will be purified before being supplied through pipelines.
Besides, the department has also decided to drill open wells in Nagada, Naliadaba, Tumuni, Guhiasala and Ashokjhar for which `1.60 lakh will be spent per well. Department officials have expressed hope that drinking water problem can be resolved once a permanent road is laid to Nagada.
RWSS executive engineer Amiya Kumar Parija said efforts are being made on a war-footing to supply purified drinking water to Nagada and its adjoining villages. At present, the department’s personnel with the help of a mobile treatment plant at Ashokjhar are regularly supplying half-a-litre pouched drinking water to villagers, he added.
Meanwhile, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe commissioner Surendra Kumar and director R Raghunath Prasad Tuesday took stock of various developmental works being implemented in Nagada. PNN
