When the summer is at its peak, it is shocking to note that more than 8000 anganwadi centres located across Orissa lack drinking water facilities within 250 meters of the centres.

In an affidavit filed in Orissa high court pertaining to a PIL over lack of drinking water facilites, the state government has informed that only 233 anganwadi centres have drinking water facilities while 8,050 centres located either in government premises or in private accommodations do not have drinking water facilities within 250 metres from the centre.

In response to the PIL filed by advocate Dilip Kumar Mohapatra, women and child development secretary Arti Ahuja said in the affidavit that 225 tube-wells have been drilled after March 8, 2011 in respect to anganwadi centers operating in government premises in 26 districts of the state.

Further arrangements have been made after March 8, 2011 to provide drinking water facilities within 250 metres in eight anaganwadi centres functioning in private premises, the affidavit said.

The women and child development secretary has maintained that all steps are being taken to ensure compliance of the orders of the high court for supply of good quality food materials and drinking water.