In view of acute
drinking water shortage, Odisha government has decided to sink 370 tubewells in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district.
"We have identified 350 villages where the problem is acute. The work has already begun and is likely to be completed by the end of June," said Executive Engineer of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (Phulbani) S K Kar.
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Three machines have been pressed into service for the purpose. "Wells will be dug in 25 hilltop villages," he said.
The executive engineer said 22 mobile vans were engaged for repairing defunct tubewells. "The government has directed the gram panchayats to immediately repair out of order tubewells, keeping in view the harsh summer ahead," he said.
Around 13,300 tubewells are in good condition, he said. With the district recording over 40 degree Celsius in the last few days, all springs and nullahs have dried up. People in rural areas are now forced to trek over 5 km to fetch water.
"Water is being supplied through tankers in Khajuripada, Tumudibandh and Phiringia areas," the executive engineer added.
