The Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) latest findings have reignited concerns over drinking water safety in west Delhi Janakpuri area, revealing that five out of six samples collected from A block households were contaminated with Total Coliform and E. Coli. This comes despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) prior orders to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to resolve the issue.
According to the report submitted to the tribunal, the fresh round of sampling conducted on June 30 showed alarming bacterial presence, with E. Coli levels reaching as high as 280,000 units per 100ml well above the Bureau of Indian Standards’ permissible limits, which mandate zero detection in 100ml. One house even declined sampling, prompting CPCB to collect an alternate sample within the block.
This is not an isolated incident. Back in May, 30% of samples collected across the locality were already found to contain fecal coliform, prompting the NGT to direct DJB to arrange alternate clean drinking water for residents and submit an action plan. Locals continue to depend on water tankers or bottled water and say foul-smelling supply chokes purifiers and renders even bathing difficult.
Despite multiple NGT directives, DJB response has been reactive at best. In earlier submissions, the utility cited aging infrastructure nearly 40-year-old corroded pipelines as the root of the contamination. While a long-term plan to replace both drinking water and sewage pipelines has been promised, no visible progress has been reported yet.
Suggestions Emerging from the Crisis
Residents and environmental experts are now calling for strict time-bound action. There is growing pressure for the DJB to expedite the overhaul of compromised pipelines and establish a transparent monitoring system with monthly water quality reports. Additionally, there is demand for a centralized helpline for water complaints and a public dashboard showing contamination levels and redressal timelines.
With monsoon rains posing further risk to water quality through ground seepage and sewage overflow, authorities are being urged to prioritize this issue before it becomes a broader public health emergency. The NGT is expected to hold DJB accountable in its next hearing, with citizens hoping for more than just promises this time.