The problem of drinking water of Rajpur panchayat in Jharsuguda district is going to be solved with a project by the Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Fund (OMBDF) costing
`2.5 crore.
In the first phase, pipes worth `72.4 lakh have been purchased on completion of tender process.
Besides, construction of a well has been completed and a reservoir tank with capacity of 2 lakh litre will be constructed at R Katapalli for water storage, sources revealed.
As per the master plan, GI pipes of 100 metre of 150mm, 560 metre of 100mm and 820 metre of 80mm will be installed. The project will be completed within a year and its effective implementation will finally depend on public support.
The Government land required for overground reservoir and overhead tank will finally depend upon cooperation by the villagers, said a RWSS assistant engineer.
Rajpur panchayat is located adjacent to underground coal mines of mine number -4 under Orient Area of the MCl. While Junanimunda and Ambadarah villages, apart from Rajpur are located near coal mines.
During summer, all the ponds and wells dry up due to underground mine. No water is supplied from the water taps during March, April, and May.
The MCl supplies water through tankers once a week since last two weeks.
However, villagers of Rajpur panchayat will be greatly benefited during summer with the operation of Juanimunda water project.