Cold drinking water kiosks that have been set up by Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 24: The Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan today set up nine cold water units at different parts of the city.

At a time when the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has drawn flak for not initiating measures to set up drinking water kiosks despite a considerable rise in temperature, the Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan has been continuing with its efforts to quench the thirst of hundreds of residents.

However, mayor Soumendra Ghose, who was also present during the inaugural ceremony of the cold water units, said water kiosks by the CMC would be set up in a couple of days.

“Water kiosks at few places have been set up and the CMC has identified 124 spots where the drinking water kiosks will be installed by Tuesday,” Ghose said.

The CMC will carry out the entire process to set up the water kiosks. Last year, there were some irregularities in maintenance of such units. Moreover, a committee has been formed to review and initiate action against the agency against which there were allegations of irregularities in running the kiosks, the mayor said.

The Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan has already installed 15 temporary cold drinking water units, including the five, which was made operational on the occasion of Utkal Divas.

“We had an objective to provide cold drinking water to the residents of the city,” said president of Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan Suryakant Sanganeria.

The cost of one unit of cold drinking water is around Rs 10,000 and the Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan is contemplating to install a total of 101 units across the city in future.

“The Marwari community has been initiating a lot of developmental activities in the city which is a welcoming step. Moreover, the cold drinking water units will certainly be of great help, especially to the poor and the labour community,” said councillor of ward No. 22 Madhusudan Sahoo.

The insulated water units were installed at Binod Behari market, Jobra, Mahanadi Vihar, Chandi Mandir square, Cantonment road, Dolmundai, Pithapur, Manisahu Chak, Badambadi and other areas in the city.

“This is a small step towards serving the people. We will continue to work for the city’s development by initiating similar projects in future,” said deputy secretary of the Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan Suresh Sharma.