Delhi Jal Board gets notice over contaminated supply

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday issued notice to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) over reported supply of contaminated water in some parts of the national capital.

The notice was issued to the DJB chairman calling for a report within four weeks and measures taken to supply potable water to the residents of Delhi, said an NHRC statement. An official survey conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the DJB revealed that in 200 areas surveyed by them, 67 major water pipelines had micro cracks and water in them was contaminated by sewage as the lines cross each other, the statement said.

“It was also pointed out that the pipelines are quite old and some are as old as 100 years, like those in Chandni Chowk, and have rusted, leading to major leakages,” it added. According to the rights panel, the report also said that such contaminated water may cause a variety of ailments, including viral infection, hepatitis E, typhoid, cholera and jaundice among others.

“The commission is deeply concerned and if the contents of the report are true, it amounts to serious violation of the right to health of the people of Delhi,” said the statement.