SAMBALPUR: Water scarcity has become a pressing issue for Burla. With the rise in temperature, the groundwater level has gone down and many areas such as Golkunda, Mirdhapada, Sriram Vihar, Crusherpada, Bhoidungri, Dhipapada and Chainipada are reeling under water crisis.
Burla, with a population of 52,000, requires seven MLD of water every day. The supply, though, is five MLD from the water filtration plant located near VSS University of Technology. There is a 2.25 MLD water treatment plant in VIMSAR but it caters to the water needs of the hospital. Similarly, another 2.25 MLD water treatment plant in Sambalpur University campus is meant for the institution only.
Sub-divisional Officer of PHED (Burla), Sukhamaya Sarkar, admitted to lack of piped water supply to various areas of Burla. He said five tankers have been engaged in water-stressed areas.
The proposed six MLD drinking water project which would have resolved water woes of Burla has remained a non-starter. This project was estimated at `8.62 crore, which was allocated by the MCL, and land for it was also identified.
Although work order for the drinking water project was awarded to an agency, it has not materialised yet. The agency did not begin the work and the local administration is contemplating to float fresh tender for the project.