The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has voiced concern about the quality of drinking water supplied by the Delhi Jal Board after testing several water samples.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the MCD Standing Committee. According to statistics provided by the civic body's Health Department, out of 15,647 samples lifted for testing till July 1 this year, 1,768 samples, which is 11.29 per cent, were found unfit.
Several municipal councillors of the ruling BJP, including Standing Committee chairman Yogender Chandolia, demanded an explanation from the Jal Board. “Now that we have come to know of the test results, we will not allow the report to be brushed under the carpet under any circumstances. The Jal Board should own up responsibility,” said Mr. Chandolia.
“Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is the chairperson of DJB and the Standing Committee cannot issue any direction. But we feel she should look into the matter as it can have serious health implications,” he added.
Civic officials said the examination of water samples is done by MCD itself as well as together with the DJB and whenever any shortcoming is found it is brought into the notice of the Jal Board for remedial action to prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases.
According to statistics, 2,345 water samples in 2009 were found unfit for drinking.
