Bhubaneswar, March 8: The municipal corporation will set up 100 temporary drinking water kiosks or jalchatras in the city for pedestrians as the mercury has started to show its rising trend. Last year, too, the kiosks were set up in March.

The proposed kiosks will start functioning from March 24 and will serve people till June 15. Everyday, people will get water free of cost from 8.30am to 4pm. The civic body has decided to set up the kiosks in public-private-partnership mode. Nearly 64 organisations have expressed interest in the project.

"We have decided to rope in private partners for smooth functioning of the drinking water kiosks. Things such as earthen pots and tumblers will be provided by the municipal corporation, while the manpower will be taken care of by the private parties," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.

Jena was presiding over a preparatory meeting on fighting the heatwave conditions in the city today. He asked officials to co-operate with each other and ensure proper functioning of the kiosks.

The corporation officials further indicated that nearly 30 private partners would be selected to ensure smooth functioning of the kiosks.

The Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO) has been asked to ensure smooth supply of safe drinking water. The supply process will be divided into three zones of the city for which respective zonal commissioners will remain responsible.

"Safe drinking water will be supplied through water tankers to all the kiosks on a regular basis," said a PHEO official.

Moreover, officials of the civic body have decided to create a WhatsApp group to ensure smooth functioning and continuous monitoring of the kiosks.

Not just human, birds and animals would also benefit from the proposed kiosks. A few voluntary organisations have floated the idea today.

"The idea of setting up drinking water facilities for birds and animals is a noble move by the civic body. I hope others would also think similarly," said Bhanu Panda, an animal lover.

The corporation has also decided to set up an air-conditioned ward and provide additional doctors at the municipal hospital in the Old Town area to treat sunstroke patients.