Over 30 pc water unsafe for drinking

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 17

The city might have grown leaps and bounds but falls short of providing even basic amenities to residents, including clean drinking water. As a result, diseases spread rapidly year after year.

Last month the Health Department collected 92 samples of water from different parts of the city out of which 67 were potable while 25 were found to be non-potable.

Similarly, water 41 water samples were also collected from government schools by the department. Out of which 23 were potable and 14 non-potable while report of 4 samples was still pending.

The Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had formed a district-level monitoring committee in 2017 after samples of drinking water at government failed to great extent. The main aim behind forming the committee was to conduct monthly review of water arrangements at schools and ensure that government schools get clean drinking water. However, it seems that the panel too failed in its objective.

Civil Surgeon Dr Parvinder Pal Singh Sidhu said, “The Health Department collects water samples from time to time for purity test. It is the duty of the Municipal Corporation to provide safe drinking water. Whenever a disease spreads, the health department distributes chlorine tablets. On regular basis the Health Department keeps on educating people by holding meeting and distributing pamphlets regarding safe drinking water.”

Ludhiana Municipal Corporation Superintending Engineer Rajinder Singh said, “Whenever we receive report of a fail sample, first thing we do is visit the spot and check source of the sample. The problem occurs due to illegal connections and sometimes the sample is collected from submersible. The department is taking every step to provide safe drinking water and people should also cooperate.”

Despite repeated attempts District Education Officer (Secondary) could not be contacted for her comments on non-potable water at government schools.

92 water samples collected in December 2018 

• Potable 67
• Non-potable 25

41 samples collected in Dec 2018 from govt schools 

• Potable 23
• Non-potable 14
• Report pending  4

What is potable and non-potable water?

• Water that is safe for drinking, bathing and preparing food is called potable water
• Water that is unfit for drinking and cannot be used for bathing or preparing food is called non-potable water

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