The Central Public Health and Engineering Organisation (CPHEO) has recently approved a PHED proposal to establish a new 15 MlD water treatment plant here.
The Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) of Sambalpur had sent the proposal around a year ago. Though there is already a water treatment plant at Bareipali, the PHED wanted another to ensure equal distribution of water to the entire city.
PHED Executive Engineer Hadibandhu Behera said, “The Central Government has already been approved our proposal. The next official process will start after the election code of conduct cease to exist. The water problem of the city will be resolved after the project is materialized.”
He said the 15 MlD water treatment plant is most likely to be set up at the PHED ground here. Apart from the treatment plant, it has also been proposed to develop underground sumps and overhead tanks at different places of the city in this project. The estimated budget for the new project is Rs 38.81 crore, he informed.
Official sources said Sambalpur requires 28 MlD water now while the capacity of the existing water treatment plant at Bareipali is 42 MlD. But as the city has expanded considerably, far off places often experience water problem due to lack of pressure.
According to sources, some parts like Kulthkani, Bhatra, Santinagar, Sunapali, Sakhipara and Talbhatapara area face severe water problem during summer.
“Once the new water treatment plant becomes operational, the water problem will be resolved,” said some locals.