Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): : The Odisha Government has intensified post-cyclone restoration measures to ensure the early restoration of drinking water supply and the repair and disinfection of damaged water sources in cyclone-affected areas. Extensive efforts are underway on a war footing to restore normal drinking water services in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts following the impact of Cyclone Arnab.
According to the latest progress report as of November 3, 2026, repair and disinfection work has been completed on 4,608 out of 4,722 damaged hand pumps across the three affected districts, achieving an impressive 97.58% restoration rate. Similarly, restoration and disinfection work has been completed on 275 out of 402 affected rural piped water supply projects, accounting for 68.41% of the total affected projects.
To ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water in areas where regular supply systems remain disrupted, the authorities have deployed 292 water tankers for emergency drinking water distribution. Of these, 23 tankers have been deployed in the Berhampur Municipal Corporation area and seven in the Asika Municipality area. Additionally, 80 Sintex water storage tanks and 87 diesel generator sets have been deployed to strengthen emergency water supply arrangements.
As part of efforts to improve water purification and ensure alternative sources of safe drinking water, 12 mobile water treatment units have been deployed in the affected districts. Among them, two units are operating in the Berhampur Municipal Corporation area and one in the Asika Municipality area.
The government has also undertaken large-scale distribution of packaged drinking water to meet the immediate needs of affected residents. So far, 4.55 lakh packets of bottled drinking water and 3.20 lakh water pouches have been distributed among people in the affected areas. Furthermore, an additional stock of 4.03 lakh packets of bottled drinking water has been kept ready for immediate distribution according to local requirements.
Meanwhile, disinfection of all drinking water sources is continuing to prevent contamination and safeguard public health in cyclone-affected areas. Special attention is being given to ensuring that people have access to clean and safe drinking water until regular water supply systems are fully restored.
Director of Drinking Water, Vineet Bhardwaj, is personally staying in the affected areas to review the situation and supervise the ongoing restoration activities. He is closely monitoring repair operations, the disinfection of water sources and emergency drinking water distribution, while directing officials to expedite all necessary measures.
The department is prioritising the speedy repair of damaged infrastructure, proper purification of water sources and uninterrupted emergency water supply to affected communities. The restoration drive will continue until the entire drinking water supply network is fully functional and the availability of safe drinking water is ensured for residents across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.