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'Outdated infra'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