Need fast and effective solution for dirty water

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Mumbai may have the distinction of receiving much cleaner water compared to most cities in the country, but contaminated water is a concern in a few SoBo wards. Water contamination complaints vis-a-vis population were the highest at Bhendi Bazar, Dongri, Chira Bazar, Kalbadevi and Byculla last year, BMC data gathered under the Right to Information (RTI) showed.

Figures by non-profit Praja Foundation, the BMC received 1,940 complaints about poor quality water in 2019, while the number stood at 1,369 the next year. Last year, there were 1,342 complaints about dirty water.

In the same report, an official is cited saying that they cannot point out one clear reason for more complaints from a particular area. There are various reasons behind contamination and the issues are solved after inspection, he has also explained in the report in this paper.

We would want to stress that inspection should happen as complaints come in, rather than pushed on the backburner as we often witness when it comes to certain cases.

The inspection too needs to be thorough and results must be given within a timeframe. We have cases where inspections and investigations continue for months, and in extreme cases, even a year before results are in. This does not refer specifically to contaminated water but other problems too.

Contaminated water can lead to very serious health problems as everybody knows, so it is imperative that if this inspection does show merit in complaints, then solutions are found. This also cannot be a quick fix but we have to go to the root of the problem and see what exactly is the source or reason or reasons for dirty. Endless passing the buck means frustrated residents paying taxes may have to buy drinking water or put in several levels to clean it.