Paperman Media ( Puri )- In view of the upcoming world-famous Rath Yatra and the anticipated influx of lakhs of devotees to Puri, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra today conducted a comprehensive review of the drinking water supply arrangements and inspected the ongoing construction of the new 42 MLD Water Treatment Plant in the city.
The Minister held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the preparedness of the drinking water supply system and ensure uninterrupted availability of safe and clean drinking water during the festival period.
WATCO Managing Director Shri Debabrata Mohanty, senior departmental officers, engineers and project officials were present and briefed the Minister on the progress of various initiatives and the special arrangements being made for Rath Yatra.
During the field visit, Dr. Mahapatra inspected the progress of major components of the 42 MLD Water Treatment Plant, including the Clarifier, Filtration Unit, equipment installation and allied infrastructure. Stressing the significance of the project in meeting the present and future water requirements of Puri city, he directed the executing agencies to expedite the work while ensuring strict adherence to quality standards.
"The population of Puri increases manifold during the Rath Yatra. Ensuring uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to devotees and residents is our top priority. All agencies must remain fully prepared to respond to any contingency," the Minister asked.
Minister Dr Mahapatra reviewed the arrangements made for round-the-clock water supply around the Shree Jagannath Temple, pilgrim accommodations, temporary camps and other important locations across the city. He also directed officials to maintain continuous monitoring of the water supply network and keep standby pumps, power backup systems and emergency response mechanisms in complete readiness.
As a precautionary measure, WATCO has kept mobile water tankers, temporary water distribution points and emergency response teams on standby to address any unforeseen disruption in water supply. A dedicated control room will function round the clock throughout the Rath Yatra period to ensure prompt response and uninterrupted services.
Dr. Mahapatra further instructed officials and implementing agencies to complete the Water Treatment Plant project within the stipulated timeline and without any compromise on quality. He reiterated that negligence or deviation from prescribed standards would be viewed seriously.
Reaffirming the State Government's commitment to providing efficient civic services during the annual festival, the Minister said that the Housing and Urban Development Department and WATCO are fully geared up to ensure a smooth, safe and well-organised Rath Yatra with uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for all devotees and residents.
