82% water samples fail potability test in Muktsar

Muktsar, April 16

Despite giving two CMs to the state — SAD’s Parkash Badal and Congress’ Harcharan Brar — potable water supply is still a distant dream for residents of Muktsar. For instance, over 82% water samples failed potability test in the district last year.

Notably, of 139 water samples taken in the district last year, 114 failed the test.

Damples from three blocks — Lambi, Chak Sherewala and Doda, weren’t collected.

Situation grim in Gidderbaha, Malout

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• As per the Health Dept records, all 20 water samples of Gidderbaha block and 13 of Malout block failed the test
• Further, 27 of total 31 water samples failed the test in Muktsar block and 54 of 75 samples failed in Alamwala block

Residents have time and again complained to senior officers in the administration about the poor quality of drinking water. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level in water is also high in some parts. Besides, mixing of sewage in water supply pipelines is also an issue.

Dr Vikram Asija, district epidemiologist, Muktsar, said: “We collect water samples randomly from public places. If a sample fails the potability test, chlorination of the water source is done. If the water source is underground, then it is sealed and painted red.”

He said: “We could not collect water samples last year in some areas. However, we have increased the speed of collecting samples this year.”

On this, locals said: “With the change of guard, we are hopeful that steps will be taken to improve the water quality in this part of the state. Malout Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur is also a doctor and knows the ground realities.” —