SAMBALPUR: Work on the four million litres per day (MLD) water treatment plant at PHED Ground at Ainthapali is yet to start even as the project was proposed over a year back. The project is meant to supply water to areas not covered by the pipe water supply system here.
While tender was floated for the project earlier this year, it had to be cancelled as the bids were quoted in excess, said Executive Engineer of PHED (Sambalpur), MR Nanda. While the PHED plans to call for fresh tender shortly after revising the estimated cost of the project, it would take three years to be completed. The work order for the plant can only be issued after finalisation of tender next year.
Apart from the four MLD water treatment plant at PHED Ground from where drinking water would be supplied to the uncovered areas, the project also includes laying of 19 km new pipelines, besides construction of three overhead tanks and four underground sumps. The residential areas to be covered under the project include Dhanupali, Bhatra, Sunapali, Mahabirpara, Ainthapali and Dhankauda.
The project will be implemented under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) of the Centre. Both, the State and the Central Governments have provided funds for the project and the entire cost is estimated at `38.81 crore.
While there is no water scarcity in the city, absence of distribution network is adding to the woes of people. Water is supplied from two water treatment plants at Bareipali and Mudipara. While the plant at Bareipali has a capacity to treat 42 MLD of water daily, the one at Mudipada can treat 11 MLD daily compared to the present requirement of around 28 MLD.