Kendrapara: The floods in Kerala have perceptible effect in this Odisha district with skilled plumbers making their way to the ravaged state to lend their hand in restoration work.

As the water recedes, paving the way for rebuilding process in the southern state, the services of Kendrapara plumbers are now being sought after to set right the damaged drinking water and sewerage pipelines.

"Batches of plumbers from the district have begun leaving for Kerala. The migration process has already started since the past two to three days. We have received reports in this regard from the native villages of these skilled workforces," said Rajnagar tehsildar Nihar Ranjan Mallick.

This region finds a pride of place across the globe for churning out skilful plumbers.

"It's heartening to note that services of plumbers from Kedrapara are being widely sought for. Because of their skill, they have made their presence felt across the country and abroad," he said.

Kendrapara district is widely regarded as country's plumbing capital. The placement agencies and firms in Kerala are intent on seeking the services of Kendrapara plumbers, whose dexterity and sincerity have been appreciated worldwide.

The plumbers, who were engaged elsewhere, have also left their workplace to head for Kerala.

"I was engaged in a plumbing firm in Calcutta. I have taken a month's break from my job to return home," said Raghav Parida, 38, a plumber from Taradipala village under Pattamundai tehsil.

"We, a batch of plumbers, will leave for Ernakulum in a day or two. My employer is Calcutta was gracious to grant my leave for working in Kerala," he said.

"So far I know, over 500 people from Kendrapara have left for Kerala for drinking water restoration work. Many more are expected to head for Kerala in the coming days as the state badly requires skilled workers like us for speedy restoration," he said.

In major areas of this district, plumbing is an economic activity that has been providing income sources to thousands of families in this no-industry district.

This trend is in vogue for generations together. Besides the major urban centres, the plumbers mainly from Pattamundai, Aul, Rajnagar and Rajkanika have spread their network in various places across the country.

Many have made their way to gulf and middle-eastern countries stamping out their class and dexterity in plumbing sectors. An official estimate put the number of migrant overseas plumbers at 20,000.