Residents of Noida and Greater Noida are facing a critical water quality crisis, with alarming levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the drinking water supply triggering widespread health concerns and community outrage.
Despite assurances from local authorities, many households in Noida and Greater Noida are experiencing potable water with TDS levels far exceeding permissible limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Instances have been reported where TDS levels have spiked well above the safe threshold of 500 parts per million (ppm), reaching as high as 2,000 ppm in some areas. This contamination has resulted in residents suffering from various health issues, including vomiting and stomach ache, directly linked to consuming the tainted water.
In Noida, where 206 million liters per day (MLD) of treated Ganga water is supposed to meet the needs of 75% of sectors, the reality is bleaker. The mixing of this water with groundwater, due to supply shortages, dilutes its quality, leading to compromised water standards across the distribution network. Despite the use of advanced purification systems like RO, UV, and UF by residents, the water remains inadequately purified, highlighting systemic failures in maintaining water quality standards.
Similarly, Greater Noida residents, particularly in sectors like Delta 1, are grappling with additional challenges of brackish, discolored water supplied through leaky pipelines. The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) acknowledges the severity of the situation but cites delays in infrastructure projects and ongoing operational issues as key impediments to improving the water supply. While assurances have been made regarding the expansion of Ganga water coverage and infrastructure enhancements, residents remain skeptical amidst persistent infrastructure challenges and unreliable service provisions. Areas like Greater Noida West continue to face acute water shortages, relying heavily on water tankers for their daily needs. The unfolding water quality crisis in Noida and Greater Noida underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure investments, stringent regulatory oversight, and proactive measures to safeguard public health and restore community trust in essential services.
