Sambalpur: Water Supply Disrupted Due to Pipe Burst Near Thelkopada; FIR to be Filed Against PWD for Negligence

Major Water Pipe Bursts at Thelkopada

Sambalpur: A major water supply pipe burst near Thelkopada, Sambalpur, causing significant water leakage and disruption in water services. The incident, which occurred during ongoing construction work by the Public Works Department (PWD), resulted in a massive water spray in the area. Due to the pipe bursting inside a drain, there is a risk of contaminated water entering the clean water supply, leading to concerns among residents.

Impact on Water Supply

The water supply to areas like Kumbharpada and nearby localities has been severely affected. The disruption has caused inconvenience to the local population, who now face difficulties in accessing clean water. The repair work has been initiated by WATCO (Water Corporation of Odisha) and is expected to be completed by tomorrow.

Cause of the Incident

The pipe burst occurred around 3 PM during construction work for a culvert being carried out by the PWD. The negligence in coordinating such activities has drawn criticism from residents and officials alike.

Health Concerns

The stagnant drain water, which has not been cleaned for months, poses a significant health risk. With the burst pipe mixing with this wastewater, there is a high likelihood of contaminated water reaching households. This could lead to health problems such as jaundice, which had previously affected Sambalpur residents. The situation has alarmed locals, who fear a repeat of past public health crises.

Previous Issues and Public Reaction

Despite significant investments to improve water infrastructure, such as laying pipelines and constructing water tanks, similar problems persist. In recent years, areas under the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, including Hirakud, have faced health issues due to contaminated water. Now, with the pipe burst, residents are expressing anger and frustration over recurring issues.

Coordination Challenges Between Departments

The lack of coordination among different departments is evident in Sambalpur. While one department constructs roads, another digs them up, leading to repeated issues like damaged water pipes and poor road conditions. Despite frequent complaints from intellectuals and residents, there has been little improvement.

Demands for Immediate Action

Residents demand immediate action from the district administration to address the problem and ensure clean drinking water. They also emphasize the need for better coordination among departments to prevent such incidents in the future. Effective measures to provide safe and adequate water supply are now a top priority for the people of Sambalpur.