Most schools in Mohali district getting contaminated water; DC seeks report from District Education Officer
PTC Web Desk: In a concerning revelation, it has come to light that drinking water in 243 schools within SAS Nagar (Mohali) district, Punjab, is non-potable and unfit for consumption by students. The report did not specify whether the contamination involved metals or bacteria, but it highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that water from RO taps in 26 locations and even a sample from a packaged bottle failed to meet safety standards.
Following these alarming reports, the district health and education departments have been prompted to take urgent action. Orders have been issued to shut down water supplies in these schools and make alternative arrangements.
The Mohali Deputy Commissioner has demanded a report on the matter from the District Education Officer (Secondary). Educational officials have directed school principals and heads to provide reports on the measures taken to ensure safe drinking water.
Notably, a recent survey covered 538 schools in the district, collecting water samples from various sources, including packaged bottles, water coolers, tube wells, government supply, RO, RO taps, water tankers, and submersibles. The testing revealed that the water in hundreds of schools was not potable. Out of 243 non-potable water samples, 180 were from tap water. Additionally, 26 samples from RO taps and 18 from tube wells failed to meet quality standards. In contrast, 283 schools had potable water, with 222 samples from tap water deemed safe.
Worst-Affected Areas
The most severely impacted area is Gharuan health block, where 106 school water samples were found non-compliant, including 98 from tap water. Similarly, Boothgarh region had 64 schools with unsafe water, with 42 tap water and 9 RO water samples failing the tests.
Dhakoli had 24, Dera Bassi 26, and Kurali 3 samples failing. Even in the high-tech city of Mohali, 15 samples were non-compliant, including 11 from RO water.
Despite 283 schools having potable water, there are suspicions that some of these samples may still contain bacteria. The Gharuan health block was the most affected, with follow-up orders to retake samples from schools in Dhakoli and Boothgarh.
Major Causes
In rural areas, drinking water is typically sourced from tube wells. The underground placement of drinking water and sewage pipelines often leads to leaks or breaks, contaminating the drinking water. Additionally, the cleanliness of school water tanks has been a significant concern, with school principals frequently voicing frustration over the public health department's failure to maintain them. This has contributed to ongoing issues with potable water.
Health Risks
Contaminated or bacteria-laden water poses severe health risks, including jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting, and typhoid fever. It is the public health department's responsibility to provide safe drinking water to both urban and rural areas. Immediate measures such as tank cleaning and chlorination must be undertaken, especially given the onset of the monsoon season, which exacerbates water contamination issues.
The Deputy Commissioner said a report had been sought from the District Education Officer of Mohali. Efforts would be made to identify the contaminants and ensure the provision of 100% potable water. The water supply and sanitation department has been instructed to detect contamination and provide chlorinated water.
- With inputs from our correspondent
