BHUBANESWAR: An Assembly Standing Committee has pulled up the Rural Development Department for delay in the implementation of drinking water project in Sakhigopal and Kanas region of Puri district as a result of which people of the area are living without potable water for years. The panel members headed by chairman Narasingh Mishra visited the area recently to make an on the spot verification of the project implemented under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) to supply pipe water to the people. Sources said the committee found that though the scheme was started in 1988-89, it is still incomplete. Only two intake wells were constructed in 2000-01 and the pipes were purchased. No further work was taken up. Cast iron pipes which were purchased about nine years back are lying unused and have been damaged. The Department, however, explained that since administrative approval was not received, the progress of the work was slow. The financial advisor, Rural Development Department, maintained that without administrative approval funds for the project cannot be released. Surprisingly, though the department was asked to produce the file, it did not oblige. Expressing displeasure over the matter, the Committee directed the Department authorities to produce the file within 24 hours. Large number of people of the area who were present during the visit of the Committee members expressed displeasure over the matter. The Rural Development Department has been asked to complete the project within the next six months.