The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been directed to escalate its water quality testing protocols, particularly focusing on residential areas supplied by tubewells. This directive follows a high-level meeting convened by the South-West Delhi district steering committee at the end of June, aimed at strategizing to curb the spread of water-borne diseases in the city.
Recent data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS), under the Ministry of Health, has highlighted a concerning rise in reported diarrhoea cases from 15,152 in the financial year 2022-23 to 20,393 in 2023-24. This uptick has prompted authorities to implement stringent measures to ensure the safety of drinking water across various public facilities including schools, anganwadi centres, healthcare establishments, and high-traffic areas like railway stations and markets. An official order issued post-meeting mandates the DJB to conduct random and frequent water quality tests, emphasizing the criticality of safe drinking water availability during the monsoon months. Additionally, inspections will be conducted to verify the compliance of public and private water vendors operating in public utility zones. There is also a directive to scrutinize the legality of underground water usage in residential setups to prevent potential contamination risks. The DJB has been proactive in flagging concerns regarding schools lacking mandatory safe drinking water certificates. In May 2023, the DJB’s treatment and quality control cell raised alarms over discrepancies between the number of schools requesting water testing and those actually submitting genuine reports. This discrepancy indicated possible submission of forged or counterfeit water quality certifications to educational authorities.
“This intensified focus on water quality testing and compliance checks is crucial to safeguarding public health,” stated a senior official from the South-West Delhi district steering committee. “By enhancing surveillance and regulatory oversight, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with water-borne illnesses and ensure Delhiites have access to safe drinking water.” Moving forward, the DJB is expected to streamline its monitoring efforts and collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to uphold stringent water quality standards across Delhi. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the commitment of local authorities to address health challenges proactively and maintain public trust in essential services. As Delhi grapples with health concerns stemming from water-borne diseases, stakeholders are hopeful that these measures will effectively mitigate risks and enhance public health resilience in the capital city.
