Talcher, June 18: Water supply to 26 colonies in Talcher’s coal mining region has been severely disrupted after the Brahmani river ran dry, triggering an acute drinking water crisis for thousands of residents.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The colonies, which house employees of eight coal mines, depend on a pipeline system that draws water from the Brahmani river for domestic use as well as mining-related operations. With the riverbed drying up, the supply network has come to a standstill.
Officials said the situation worsened after water release from the Samal Barrage into the Brahmani river was halted for the past two days, leading to a sharp fall in river water levels. This has affected the ability of the Lingraj coal mining project to pump and distribute water through its pipeline system.
As a result, piped water supply to all 26 colonies and associated mining establishments has been stopped, affecting nearly 1.15 lakh pipeline connections dependent on the system.
According to official estimates, the colonies require about 68.2 million litres of water per day. However, current availability has dropped drastically to around 16.40 million litres due to the dry river condition and reduced inflow.
The crisis has caused significant hardship for residents amid prevailing summer conditions, with many reporting difficulties in accessing drinking water. Several residents also raised concerns at the integrated water supply office of the coal mining area, demanding urgent restoration of supply.
Reports also indicate concerns over unauthorised use of pipeline water by some establishments, which is believed to be further straining the limited supply.
Authorities are expected to review the situation and initiate urgent measures to restore water supply and address the growing crisis in the affected colonies.
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