logo
‘Sewage in tap water': DJB told to take remedial actions

‘Sewage in tap water': DJB told to take remedial actions

The Hindu5 days ago
A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has found a 'high level' of E. coli bacteria — microbes from human and animal excreta — in drinking water supplied to A1 Block, Janakpuri, by the Delhi Jal Board, as per an order of the National Green Tribunal.
'The report of the CPCB clearly reflects that high levels of total coliform and E. coli have been detected in five samples,' states the July 16 order by NGT's Principal Bench, comprising chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Sudhir Agarwal and expert members A. Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad.
The tribunal was hearing a plea by the area's residents' welfare association about the DJB's supply of water mixed with sewage.
The CPCB had collected and tested six samples from the area.
The RWA stated in the petition submitted in March that the sewage pipeline in the west Delhi locality is blocked, and the line supplying drinking water is corroded, allowing sewage to mix with the potable water.
The NGT directed the DJB to fix the issue and provide clean water from an alternative source until the issue is resolved.
'Outdated infra'
On June 4, the DJB submitted an affidavit to the court stating that it would finish the repair work on the sewage pipeline by June 30 to prevent the supply of contaminated water.
It also told the court that the sewerage and potable water infrastructure were over 40 years old and that the process of replacing them as a 'permanent solution' would be initiated after the monsoon and completed within six months of awarding the contracts.
In its order last week, the green court noted that the water samples taken on June 30 were found to be 'highly contaminated' with E.coli. 'Hence, prima facie, we find that the action in terms of the [DJB's] undertaking has not been taken,' read the order.
The NGT also noted that the DJB's counsel 'tried to dispute' the report suggesting high levels of E. coli bacteria. It asked the CPCB to 'take fresh samples and submit the sample analysis report promptly'.
On July 19, Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the the government will overhaul the water pipelines within a year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Monsoon Woes: Pediatrician Shares How To Protect Your Child From Monsoon Illnesses
Monsoon Woes: Pediatrician Shares How To Protect Your Child From Monsoon Illnesses

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

Monsoon Woes: Pediatrician Shares How To Protect Your Child From Monsoon Illnesses

Last Updated: Children fall sick in monsoon due to a sharp rise in waterborne infections. A pediatrician explains how you can keep your children safe from seasonal illnesses. As monsoon showers sweep across Maharashtra, hospitals in cities like Pune and Mumbai are seeing a sharp rise in paediatric waterborne infections. Among them, doctors have reported an increase in seasonal illnesses like diarrhoea, typhoid, and jaundice. 'This season has seen nearly a 40% spike in monsoon-related infections among children," says Dr. Rohini Nagarkar, Senior Consultant and Academic Head of Paediatrics at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, Pune. She attributes the surge to a combination of waterlogging, poor drainage, and contamination of drinking water supplies – a recurring concern during heavy rains. When Rain Breeds Risk Pathogens such as E. coli, rotavirus, hepatitis A, and cholera thrive in stagnant water and unclean environments. 'Children are especially vulnerable due to their underdeveloped immune systems and greater exposure to unhygienic surroundings," Dr. Nagarkar warns. Common culprits include street food, shared water bottles, and improperly washed produce. Early symptoms may seem mild, such as stomach cramps or fatigue, but can quickly escalate. 'Persistent vomiting, loose stools, lethargy, dry mouth, or yellowing of the skin can indicate serious dehydration or jaundice," she cautions. Fortunately, most of these illnesses are preventable with basic precautions. Boiling water, practising proper hand hygiene, avoiding street food, and ensuring children are vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis are simple but effective steps. 'In high-risk areas, routine health check-ups can help catch infections early," Dr. Nagarkar adds. While monsoons bring cooler temperatures and green landscapes, they also demand greater vigilance. With the right preventive measures and timely medical care, families can safeguard their children's health and let them enjoy the season safely. In a season where joy and illness often go hand in hand, awareness remains a family's strongest ally. As infections rise, so does the need for proactive parenting and community-level sanitation efforts. 'It's not just about treating the illness, it's about preventing it before it reaches our children," Dr. Nagarkar emphasises. With simple, consistent care and timely intervention, families can turn the tide against monsoon-related health threats. view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 15:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Think lemon water is always healthy? Here's what you are not being told
Think lemon water is always healthy? Here's what you are not being told

Time of India

time13 hours ago

  • Time of India

Think lemon water is always healthy? Here's what you are not being told

Lemon water benefits and side effects : Lemon water has become a go-to wellness drink; it's everywhere on TikTok, splattered all over health blogs, and endorsed by everyone from your yoga teacher to your celebrity idol. A glass of water with some fresh-squeezed lemon sounds like the simplest health hack of all, and though it can do a lot of good for you, it still has some downsides, as per a Real Simple report. While lemon water does contain many health benefits, it's not exactly the miracle beverage that is nowadays being portrayed, according to the report. If a person is consuming lemon water daily, there are a couple of things they might want to know about, particularly when it comes to their teeth, their stomach, and what their body actually requires, as per the Real Simple report. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Public Policy Artificial Intelligence Leadership Degree Product Management healthcare MCA PGDM Digital Marketing Management others MBA Technology Data Science Operations Management Healthcare Data Analytics Others Finance Design Thinking CXO Cybersecurity Project Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details ALSO READ: Vince Gilligan's Pluribus, starring Rhea Seehorn to premiere on Apple TV—Release date, teaser, cast, plot and details you need to know! by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Best City Breaks in the World Undo Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water Even though lemon water has multiple benefits, like hydrating the body, being rich in antioxidants, boosting immunity, improving blood pressure, easing joint pain, promoting anti-ageing skin, and much more, as rpeorted by Real Simple. It could even cause more harm than good to the body if you are not paying attention to these potential risks, according to the report. What You Need to Know About Lemon Water's Risks The Real Simple report has compiled the following potential downsides that one must know: Live Events Tooth Enamel Erosion: A Hidden Danger Tooth enamel erosion: The acidity in lemon water can erode tooth enamel over time, so it is best to drink it with a straw to avoid contact with one's teeth, as per the report. ALSO READ: Next Chernobyl? Experts warn Soviet-era nuclear plant at Armenia could explode at any moment Can Lemon Water Worsen Heartburn or Acid Reflux? Heartburn or acid reflux: As lemon water is very acidic, it means that it can worsen symptoms if a person is already struggling with acid reflux or heartburn, according to the Real Simple report. However, experts suggest that a small amount mixed with warm water and honey can actually help, as reported by Real Simple. Too Much Lemon Water Can Upset Your Stomach Stomach upset: Excessive consumption of lemon water can even cause indigestion, characterised by an upset stomach or cramps, because of the acidity of the lemons, as per the report. Citrus Allergy: When Lemon Water Isn't Safe Allergic reactions: Some people might also be allergic to lemons, known as citrus allergy, in which case, lemon water is not the right choice, as it can cause the person more harm, according to the Real Simple report. Vitamin C Overload: Is It Possible? Too much vitamin C: Overconsumption of vitamin C, which lemon water contains, might even cause nausea or kidney stones, as reported by Real Simple. FAQs Is lemon water better than plain water for hydration? Lemon water can help you stay hydrated but should be had in moderation, as per the Real Simple report. Should I use a straw every time I drink lemon water? Using a straw helps protect your teeth from the acidity, so it's a good habit to develop.

Faecal coliform at Gaurikund, gateway to Kedar, way above safe limit: RTI
Faecal coliform at Gaurikund, gateway to Kedar, way above safe limit: RTI

Time of India

time17 hours ago

  • Time of India

Faecal coliform at Gaurikund, gateway to Kedar, way above safe limit: RTI

Dehradun: The faecal coliform (FC) level at a drain in Gaurikund, starting point of the Kedarnath trek, was found to be 4.9 million MPN/100ml, far exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml. The data was disclosed by CPCB in response to an RTI filed by a Noida-based activist. Experts attributed the pollution to lack of a sewage treatment plant (STP) and a rise in pilgrim numbers in recent years. Over 14 lakh pilgrims have already visited Kedarnath this season, shows govt data. Vishal Singh, executive director of Centre for Ecology Development and Research called for capping visitor numbers to limit organic waste in the region. CPCB said there are two drains each in Kedarnath Dham and Gaurikund with two untapped drains flowing into the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers. "At the drain at the entrance of the pedestrian yatra, near the Gaurikund police post, the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) was recorded at 184 mg/l (the limit for drinking water is less than 5, and for treated wastewater, up to 30), COD (chemical oxygen demand) at 362 mg/l (permissible limit: 250), and FC at 4.9 million (desirable limit: 500, permissible: 2,500)," stated the RTI reply in response to queries posed by Amit Gupta. "Pollution level at Gaurikund is dangerously high, suggesting heavy sewage inflow, untreated waste, and health-threatening pathogens. This kind of contamination not only harms river ecosystems downstream but also threatens spring sources, which supply potable water, support agriculture, and sustain tourism. Poor sewage management, coupled with warming in the high Himalayas, will affect biodiversity and increase disease risks by creating breeding grounds for vectors like mosquitoes," said Singh. He also stressed the need to prioritise sewage treatment infrastructure in such ecologically sensitive areas. "Strict regulations for solid and liquid waste management must be enforced, and water quality monitoring strengthened. Behavioural change is also key and awareness drives should be launched across the Char Dham route. Eco-sensitive pilgrim infrastructure is essential to protect these fragile high-altitude ecosystems and ensure clean water for communities," he said. The STP in Kedarnath, which was scheduled for completion before the 2025 yatra season, remains unfinished. Officials had earlier said it would be ready by May 30. In an affidavit to National Green Tribunal (NGT) in April, Rudraprayag district magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar said the original deadline was Dec 2024, later revised to Dec 14, 2025, for full system connectivity. Currently, all untreated sewage continues to be discharged into the Mandakini river due to the absence of a functional STP. NGT had pulled up both the Rudraprayag administration and the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) for failing to act on environmental violations. The DM's affidavit had claimed that 85% of STP construction was complete. Even if completed by year-end, environmentalists have raised concerns over the plant's limited capacity of 600 KLD (kilolitres per day). A petitioner pointed out that the design considered a permanent population of 5,000 and a floating population of 20,000 – a number regularly exceeded during the yatra. Following the RTI revelations, UKPCB has asked the public works department (PWD) to explore increasing the proposed STP capacity. "Construction is being carried out under the Kedarnath Dham masterplan…However, many toilets outside the masterplan boundary are also being used by pilgrims. The nodal department needs to address these as well," wrote Vinay Jhinkwan, executive engineer, PWD, in a letter to the officer at special duty (OSD) of the Kedarnath Charitable Trust.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store