Out of total 8,145 existing tube wells in Puri, water of as many as 2,168 have been tested contaminated. The tests were done in the wake of the jaundice outbreak in the town.
It was revealed at a review meeting held at Puri under chairmanship of Housing and Urban Development Minister Puspendra Singh Deo.
An official release said concerned officers have been asked to ask people not to use water of these tube wells.
It was also revealed that a total of 67 tankers would be pressed into service for 24X7 supply of water in Puri town during the upcoming Nabakalebar festival in July this year. A total of 61 water-harvest wells would be dug for the purpose.
Similarly, 160 out of 200 proposed deep tube wells have already been dug. While a total of 137 roads would be renovated for the festival, as of now work orders have been issued for 17 only. At least nine pump houses would be made active and 300 stand posts would be erected between the Shree Mandir and the Shree Gundicha Temple, informed the release.
The Minister asked all concerned officers to expedite works for the Nabakalebar.