Rourkela: Panic gripped Civil Township in Rourkela after a 70 feet high overhead water tank came crashing down on Monday morning.
While two persons sustained minor injuries, there was no loss of life till reports last came in.
According to reports, the water tank, built about 40 years ago by the Public Health Engineer Organisation (PHEO) having 2 lakh gallons capacity, suddenly collapsed. As a result, several bicycles and motorcycles parked under it were crushed. Besides, the WESCO office near the water tank was also completely damaged.
The water from the tank also entered several shops and trading establishments.
Talking to the media, the locals said that though the PHEO officials had declared the water tank unsafe, still they had not alerted the people and were pumping in water to the tank.
“The PHEO is constructing a new overhead water tank near it. During the construction of the new water tank, the basement of the old one could not sustain the vibration of the vibrators resulting in its collapse,” said a local.
Blaming the PHEO authorities and the state government for their gross apathy in the maintenance of the old water tank, another local demanded stern action against these officials as they still used it despite being aware that it was in a dilapidated state.
“Built in 1975, the water was supplied from this tank to about 50,000 population of this locality. Since it has collapsed, people of this locality will not get water. Besides, there is no electricity as the power lines near the tank have been badly damaged. The district administration should take up alternative measures for supply of water and restore power on a war-footing,” another local said.
He said since there are several old overhead water tanks in the city, the PHEO officials should take up urgent inspection to ascertain their condition.
Meanwhile, the police and the Fire Brigade personnel have rushed to the spot and started removing the debris from the road.
