Delhi-NCR faces the danger of an incident similar to the Indore water contamination tragedy. Several cases of illness linked to contaminated water supply have already surfaced in districts across the NCR, as per a report by Jagran.com. In the wake of the Indore incident, administrations in all NCR cities have vowed to take strict measures.

The Delhi Jal Board is formulating new guidelines to curb illegal groundwater extraction. Meanwhile, in Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram, steps such as water testing, pipeline replacement, and upgrading of boosting stations are being implemented to ensure residents receive clean water.

CGWA Notification Issued

To impose restrictions on groundwater extraction in Delhi, the Delhi Jal Board is preparing new guidelines for stringent action against those who illegally extract groundwater. Under the existing government guidelines, the maximum penalty is limited to sealing borewells or tubewells.

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As a result, illegal groundwater extraction through borewells continues in many parts of Delhi, often for commercial purposes. According to Delhi Jal Board sources, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) issued a notification in 2000.

Officials state that changes are being made to the rules for obtaining permission for borewells or tubewells to prevent groundwater depletion. Permission will now be granted only in areas where groundwater levels have improved. Areas where the groundwater situation remains critical will also be identified.

Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation Turns Strict

Ghaziabad Municipal Commissioner Vikramaditya Singh Malik held a meeting with officials on Saturday and issued directives to ensure the public receives clean drinking water. The responsibility for testing drinking water has been assigned to the Water Works Department, Water Corporation, VA Tech Wabag, and Sanitation and Food Inspectors. Officials will inspect tubewells, handpumps, water tanks, and other infrastructure.

The Municipal Corporation's Water Works Department is tasked with supplying drinking water to approximately 346,000 consumers. Regular cleaning of drinking water pipelines is underway. Delivering clean drinking water to every household is the corporation's top priority. Chlorine levels in drinking water are also being checked to ensure compliance with required standards.

All ward councillors have been instructed to focus on water testing, pipeline inspections, identifying leaks and damage, and carrying out repairs. The city has around 300 large tubewells (15-30 HP), 1,100 smaller tubewells (5-10 HP), 6,000 handpumps, 51 overhead tanks, and 29 underground reservoirs. Old pipelines will be replaced, officials said.

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Water Lines Running Over Drains

The Faridabad Municipal Corporation has also become fully vigilant regarding water supply. The Chief Engineer has ordered water testing across all 46 wards and directed that records of test results be maintained.

In many colonies, water and sewer lines are laid together. In some parts of the city, drinking water lines pass over drains. During the rainy season, if drains overflow, contaminated water reaches homes. The corporation receives 10-12 complaints of contaminated water every week. The Chief Engineer has further instructed that testing should identify which harmful elements are present in higher quantities.

Situation in Gurugram's Cyber City

To ensure clean and safe drinking water in Gurugram's cyber city, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram has launched a comprehensive project to overhaul the water distribution system. Under this initiative, old and dilapidated pipelines will be replaced in areas prone to frequent leaks and sewage mixing complaints. The corporation aims to reduce water wastage while protecting citizens from waterborne diseases.

The recent Indore tragedy, where more than 15 people died from consuming contaminated water, has put all municipal bodies on high alert. In this context, the Gurugram Municipal Corporation has decided to conduct an in-depth review of the water supply system and implement corrective measures to prevent any such unfortunate situation in the city.

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To strengthen the drinking water supply, the corporation will upgrade over 130 boosting stations across the city. Old machines and motors at these stations will be replaced to maintain better water pressure and ensure adequate supply reaches the tail-end areas. Additionally, the Municipal Commissioner has directed regular cleaning of water tanks at all boosting stations every two to three months to maintain water quality without compromise.