95 Odisha ULBs getting less water

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, July 14: The supply of water in as many as 95 urban local bodies of Odisha, out of the total 105 ULBs, was less than mandated level, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.According to the CAG report that was tabled in Odisha Assembly on Monday, the supply of water in 95 ULBs was less than 135 litres per person per day, while the remaining 10 ULBs drew water beyond their mandated level.As per the State Water Policy, 2007, Odisha government shall provide adequate safe drinking water for human beings and livestock both in urban and rural areas, the CAG noted.Irrigation and multi-purpose projects should invariably include components for domestic use which should override the demands from other sectors, but the scenario appears to be on the contrary in Odisha.The CAG said that out of the 427 industrial/commercial organisations drawing water from irrigation projects, 304 organisations had not executed agreements and no penal rate was imposed.Flow meters had not been installed in 282 industrial/commercial organisations out of 427 such organisations.“Even in industries where flow meters were installed, monthly readings were not taken by departmental officials,” the CAG pointed out.“As per the progress reports of 12 Divisions Rs.331 crore was pending for collection from 183 industrial units,” CAG said exposing the apathy on the part of the Water Resources Department of the State Government.Interestingly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is holding the portfolio of the Water Resources Department.