NGT seeks response from city govt, others on dirty water issue

The appalling picture of water supply in the capital has prompted the National Green Tribunal to seek the response of the city government in the matter saying there is a complete "mismanagement of affairs".
A bench headed by U D Salvi, after taking suo moto cognisance of a newspaper report, issued notices to Delhi government, Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the four municipal corporations to reply to the malady of the citizens.
The matter is listed for next hearing on July 14.
The green panel noted that the newspaper report revealed that the "stinking and dirty" water flowing through water supply lines and the borewells are pumping out contaminated water.

This is due to the complete "mismanagement of affairs" regarding the water supply and effluent treatment, the bench noted.
"This is a fit case to take cognisance of suo-moto. This be registered as Suo-Moto Original Application. We therefore, issue notice to the Government of NCT, Delhi, Delhi Jal Board, Central Ground Water Authority..." the bench said.

The bench also directed Delhi Jal Board, Central Ground Water Authority, DPCC and CPCB to submit status report regarding quality of water received at various residential locations in Delhi through Delhi Jal Board water supply lines.
"The status report shall also reveal before us the quantity of water received from water supply lines to various locations in a day. The status report shall place before us the facts regarding the quality of groundwater available through the community borewells and handpumps spread over the city of Delhi," the bench said.

Contaminated water is a major cause of health related problems, especially in unplanned colonies.