Govt fails to act against underground water pollution in Patiala, Punjab

Despite spending crores of rupees to contain water pollution, water samples are continuously failing mandatory quality test, hinting that growing pollution of underground water may create serious problems in the district in the near future.

Teams of Patiala health department had taken samples from agencies like Punjab water supply and sewerage board, rural water supply and sanitation department, local bodies, government schools and private schools. Of the total 433 samples taken since April 2011, about 170 samples have failed quality test, sources said.

In all, 77 samples, the maximum number, from government schools have failed tests, despite Punjab government's claim to provide quality water in schools, while 21 samples of private schools have also failed. About 28 samples taken from rural water supply and sanitation department have failed quality tests while six failed samples belonged to local bodies department, they said.

Four years ago, the pollution control board had conducted a study which confirmed that many Nagar councils, including Patiala Municipal Corporation, have been discharging their waste in Ghaggar. Polluted water of this seasonal rivulet has been used by area farmers to irrigate their fields. The board has also concluded that many farmers are using pesticides in excess quantity. These two are the main reasons behind ground water pollution in the district, but there is no action so far in this regard, sources added.

"The government must take strict action against concerned officers, who have not taken the required steps to contain pollution," demanded RTI activist Jatinder Jain, who has fought a long battle to provide potable water to residents of Arnetu village, where many children became handicapped due to use of polluted water.

It's not the first time that water pollution in the district has hogged limelight. Last year, a study by Union government in 76 villages of the district found that chemicals, including calcium, phosphate, nitrate and chloride, were above 1,000 mg level while in many villages, it was above 2,000 mg per litre, making the water unfit for human consumption.

When contacted, Patiala civil surgeon Dr Varinder Mohi, said they have been conducting regular tests of water to assess pollution levels. "We don't have power to take any direct action as sources of water belong to different departments. We have been sending detailed reports to these departments for necessary action," Mohi said.