The unmanned water kiosks in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 2: Most of the water kiosks, set up by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, are running dry.

Though the civic body has already set up temporary structures, the kiosks are yet to become operational at various locations in the city. As a result, people are finding it hard to slake thirst in the gruelling heat.

The corporation made the kiosks operational two weeks ago after a 15-day delay. It had plans to start the kiosks from April 1.

“There are irregularities in the functioning of the kiosks in various parts of the city. The majority of the temporary water sheds are yet to be made operational, which shows the callous attitude of the civic body,” said Rajkumar Singh, a resident of Kanika Chhak.

Singh said a temporary water kiosk was set up near Christ College, but it was yet to cater to the needs of people.

Sources said as per the plans, 108 water kiosks had already been put in place. Of these, 68 kiosks were set up by the corporation. The rest were built and have been operated through assistance from various private banks in the city.

“A temporary water kiosk shelter has been set up near Palamandap almost a week ago. But, water is not available at the kiosk as there is nobody to serve water to the people, who are mostly passengers coming to Badambadi bus stand,” said Alok Prasad Mandal, 35, a resident of Badambadi.

The corporation spends around nearly Rs 4,000 towards construction of the temporary watersheds and Rs 925 for purchase of earthen pots, buckets and glasses for every single kiosk.

Similarly, there is an expenditure of Rs 100 per day towards payment to the person deployed at the kiosks to serve water. However, around 20 per cent of the kiosks are running dry because of appointment related problems.

Moreover keeping in view the heat wave conditions, better management of the kiosks has become essential at crowded places such as Badambadi, high court, railway station and other prominent areas in the city.

However, over 40 water kiosks set up by individuals and voluntary groups have compensated for the callous attitude of the civic body.

The corporation officials admitted that there were some problems in management of the kiosks. The problem would be resolved at the earliest.