Sambalpur, April 25: The public health and engineering department of Sambalpur has sent a proposal to the government to set up another water treatment plant in the city to solve water distribution problems.

Executive engineer of the public health and engineering department Hadibandhu Behera said: “It has been proposed to set up a 15MLD water treatment plant on the grounds of the public health department office. Overhead tanks too will be set up at various locations in the city. The estimated budget for the new project is Rs 40 crore. The proposal is awaiting administrative approval.”

“The city does not have water scarcity but its distribution is a major problem. The city requires 28MLD now. And the capacity of the existing water treatment plant, which is located at Bareipali, is 42MLD. But as the city has expanded considerably, the places located at a distance, often experience problems due to lack of water pressure. Enough water does not reach places located on the outskirts. However, the problem will be resolved after the new project materialises,” said Behera.

Four of the 29 wards of Sambalpur municipality are partly covered by pipe water supply. An official of the public health and engineering department said: “Equal distribution of water to the entire city will be possible after the new project materialises.”

“Several places, which are located on the periphery of the city, do not get adequate water during the summer. Some parts of Kulthkani, Bhatra, Sunapali, Sakhipara, Talbhatapara face severe water shortage in summer. If the project materialises, the residents here will be relieved,” said Parimal Panda, a local resident.”