Puri: In a major relief initiative for flood-affected communities, the Odisha government has deployed a mobile water purification van in Puri district to provide safe drinking water to residents struggling with contaminated water sources after the recent floods.
The specialised unit, operated by the State Drinking Water Department, is currently supplying purified drinking water to villages in Kanas block, where floodwaters have started receding but access to clean water remains a serious challenge.
Drinking Water Crisis After Floods
Although water levels have gradually come down in Kanas block, the flood has left behind contaminated ponds, rivers and other water sources, making it unsafe for residents to use untreated water for drinking and cooking.
With several villages facing an acute shortage of potable water, the state government introduced the mobile purification system to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases in the aftermath of the floods.
Mobile Van Purifies River Water on the Spot
The mobile purification van draws muddy and untreated water directly from nearby rivers and purifies it through an advanced onboard filtration system.
After undergoing multiple stages of purification and quality checks, the clean water is packed into hygienic pouches and distributed among flood-affected families. The initiative enables residents to receive safe drinking water at their doorstep without depending solely on water tankers.
According to officials, the purified water is suitable not only for drinking but also for cooking and other household needs.
Safe Water, No Distribution Limit
A technician operating the mobile water purification unit said the system is capable of converting floodwater into potable water that meets safety standards.
He said the purified water is completely safe for consumption and cooking, adding that there is no restriction on the quantity of water supplied to residents. Families are being provided with as much purified water as they require during the relief operation.
Government Enhances Relief Measures
The Block Development Officer (BDO) of Kanas said the administration had initially deployed water tankers to supply drinking water in flood-hit villages. However, with demand increasing, the government decided to introduce mobile purification vans to strengthen relief efforts.
The BDO also stated that mandatory water quality tests are conducted before the purified water is distributed to the public to ensure it is safe for consumption.
Each mobile purification unit is capable of producing up to 5,000 water packets per hour, significantly increasing the availability of clean drinking water in affected areas.
Relief Operations Continue
District authorities and disaster management teams continue to monitor the flood situation while ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential services in affected villages.
The mobile purification vans are carrying out daily distribution rounds across the worst-hit parts of Kanas block, bringing much-needed relief to families who continue to recover from the impact of the floods.
Officials said the initiative forms part of the Odisha government’s broader flood relief and rehabilitation programme, which includes the provision of safe drinking water, food, medical assistance and other essential services to affected communities.
