Provide toll free numbers in Cuttack: HC to WATCO

Cuttack: The Orissa high court has directed (WATCO) to provide in each of the 55 zones in city so that in case anyone comes across water leakage or a contamination point, he/she can inform the authorities to enable its repair.The two-judge bench of Justice S K Sahoo and Justice Chittaranjan Dash said, “Keeping in view the basic human rights of a citizen to get clean and pure water for staying healthy, we direct WATCO authorities to put up public information boards at appropriate places in each zone in consultation with the respective elected corporators of Cuttack Municipal Corporation.” The bench said the public information boards should indicate the toll free number of WATCO. The court was hearing a PIL seeking intervention for supply of safe drinking water in Cuttack city. Maitree Sansad, a city-based voluntary organisation, had filed the petition in 2016. The bench issued the direction on Wednesday after taking note of WATCO (Cuttack division) general manager Debabrata Mohanty’s affidavit in which he stated that disinfecting water through chlorine/bleaching powder will be increased at water treatment plants, intermediate storage reservoirs, production wells and other places to prevent water-borne diseases. It also said surveillance of point and possible contamination point will be increased by engaging members of PMU (project management unit) of CMC and WATCO officials. “All public stand post and tap points to be verified for probability of water logging or contamination at the said location If so, the said stand post will be raised to prevent contamination,” the affidavit stated. During the hearing on Wednesday, Mohanty assured that regular testing of water being supplied will be done.

Water in 10 Bandra bldgs contaminated

Residents of D'Monte Park Road in Bandra (West) have been dealing with contaminated water for the last 10 days. The BMC conducted a camera probe to identify and plug the contamination point. Water samples will be tested again, and there is a proposal to replace the affected water mains.

No water supply in parts of Delhi due to leakage

On Monday morning, parts of Delhi including Karol Bagh, Patel Nagar, and Sadar Bazar will experience low water pressure or no supply due to a leakage at Kamla Market. The Delhi Jal Board stated that the shutdown of Wazirabad and Chandrawal WTPs is necessary for repairs. Residents can request water tankers from emergency services.

Water Metro to increase number of trips

Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) aims to increase boat frequencies during Onam due to anticipated higher demand. Operating six routes with a daily ridership of around 3,000, KWML plans to enhance services on major routes and introduce five new ones by September. The fleet now includes 16 electric-hybrid boats.