Sambalpur: Black and Foul-Smelling Water Reaches Homes; Fears of Jaundice Outbreak if Leaking Pipes Not Repaired, Residents Demand Urgent Action
Foul-Smelling Black Water Reaches Homes
Sambalpur: Residents in Sambalpur are receiving black, foul-smelling water in their homes. The stench is so intense that people find it hard to breathe. Many are afraid to even touch the water, let alone drink it. Some are not using it even for toilets. As the city has previously witnessed severe outbreaks of jaundice and diarrhea, this situation is causing serious concern among residents.
Unsafe Water Supplied by Public Health Department
The water supplied by the Sambalpur Public Health Department (WATCO) is in a very poor state. In Ward 19, areas like Gopalmal, Danipali, Kultapada, and Matrubihar are receiving black-colored, smelly water.
Alok Sahu, a resident of Gopalmal, said that for the past few days, very dirty black water is coming through the pipes. It has a strong odor and is completely undrinkable. He also mentioned that the same issue had occurred earlier, but after complaints, the situation had improved temporarily. Unfortunately, the same problem has returned. Even though residents are paying their water bills regularly, they are questioning why they are receiving such toxic and polluted water.
Similarly, people living in Jagannath Colony have also reported the same issue. According to them, after a few months of clean water, black and smelly water is once again being supplied. Therefore, residents are now demanding immediate repairs and the supply of clean water.
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Past Outbreaks and Government Inaction
Previously, contaminated water in Sambalpur led to more than 50 deaths due to jaundice. At that time, the government had sanctioned Rs. 200 crore to lay new pipelines. However, locals still do not know how effectively that money was used.
In January 2024, in Hirakud area, four people died of diarrhea, and over 200 fell sick due to poisonous water. Although an investigation team was formed, the then-government took no action. Now, with the monsoon approaching, residents are demanding the replacement of all damaged and leaking pipelines. They are also asking for a complete change of pipelines that are not fit for use.
Thousands of New Connections But No Improvement
Reports say that during the 2024–25 financial year, 1,972 new water connections were given. Until 2023–24, around 75,976 households received drinking water connections. Presently, nearly 87,000 homes in Sambalpur are receiving piped water from the Public Health Department.
However, despite this expansion, there are complaints that the department has failed to ensure a clean and safe water supply. When questioned about the issue, the SDO of WATCO said that no such complaint had come to their notice so far. He assured that if they receive information, they will take action to repair the system.
