Centre will actively consider Odisha government's proposal for construction of overhead tanks in rural areas, particularly cyclone-prone and coastal villages, for drinking water supply under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).
This was stated by Joint secretary in Union Rural Water and Sanitation ministry, Satyabrata Sahu during a visit to some villages affected by cyclone Phailin in Ganjam district yesterday.
Sahu and Secretary of the ministry Pankaj Jain inspected water supply schemes in cyclone-hit areas.
The officials visited Kanabana and Balibagada villages and interacted with residents about water supply schemes. They also inspected quality of the supplied water. Jain advised the district administration to create awareness among people on hygiene and advised them not to defecate in the open.
The Centre has already sanctioned Rs 28 crore for restoration of damaged rural drinking water projects. The amount would be released soon to the state government, Sahu said. The Centre has already released Rs 200 crore to the state in two phases under NRDWP, he added.
Sahu said NRDWP envisages piped water supply with household tap connection in rural areas.
