Bhubaneswar, Dec 19: Even though the State Government claims to prioritize the supply of potable drinking water to people across the State, the spread of diarrohea in the steel city Rourkela has shown the true picture of the 'Drink from Tap' yojana.

Cholera claimed six lives and infected more than 100 people in the Panposh, Chhend, Gopabandhupalli, Uditnagar, and other parts of the city in just seven days. The water borne disease has spread in as many as 12 wards of the Steel city.

People are in a state of fear as the spread of the disease has not been contained. Government hospitals have failed to provide beds to the patients even.

It may be noted that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the 'Drink from Tap' Yojana in 18 cities, including Rourkela, in 2022. People in Rourkela City are yet to get tap water even after one year has passed.

"We have been supplied muddy water for a month now. Though many people have been infected with diarrhea, the government has not taken appropriate action yet," said villagers.

They said they depend on the tube-well water.

Damaged water pipes and unrepaired drains have also added to the woes of the people.

According to the latest information, a rapid action force has been formed to conduct an inquiry as to why people of the city have been deprived of drinking water under the project. A team of doctors has reached the affected regions.

In 2015, jaundice, caused by contaminated water and lack of potable drinking water claimed more than 25 lives in Sambalpur.

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