Balasore: Rs 171.51 crore drinking water project in Baliapal yet to be completed, watch
The project's slow progress has raised concerns, with locals complaining about the poor quality of work.
Baliapal: The Baliapal block of Balasore district in Odisha ranks second in the state in terms of groundwater depletion, worsening the drinking water crisis.
A mega drinking water project, launched in 2021 at a cost of Rs. 171.51 crore, remains half-finished even after four years, with only 50% of the work completed. The project’s slow progress has raised concerns, with locals complaining about the poor quality of work.
Objective of the project
The project’s objective was to purify water from the Subarnarekha River and supply it to every household in 21 panchayats of the block, benefiting 33,183 people. However, despite the construction period ending in August 2024, the project remains incomplete. Blue Star, the company contracted for the project, has failed to meet the deadline.
Water crisis in Baliapal
Baliapal block of Balasore district, being a coastal area, faces significant water scarcity issues due to saline water in tube wells and depleting groundwater levels during the hot season.
Many villages struggle to access clean drinking water, with deep tube wells lying inoperative and overhead water tanks supplying dirty or leaking water. People are forced to stand in long queues to draw water or use pond water.
Delay in project work
The delay in the completion of the drinking water project has sparked dissatisfaction among locals, raising questions about the responsibility – the construction company’s slow pace or the departmental officers’ negligence. Pipes laid to supply water to villages are either half-finished or damaged, with some already showing signs of destruction.
Officers’ speak
Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Engineer of the Balasore RWSS department has assured that the project will be completed by December. Meanwhile, the Balasore Deputy Collector has said that there will be an investigation into the substandard work.
Report: Radhagovinda Das, Baliapal, Kalinga TV
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