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Archit Watts
Tribune News Service
Muktsar, July 19
More than 36 per cent of the water samples taken from Muktsar district from January till May-end have failed the potability test, hence putting locals at a risk of contracting water-borne diseases. Of the total 171 water samples taken from various places, including schools, eating joints and residences, etc, in these five months, 62 failed to clear the test.
Notably, Muktsar is worst affected by waterlogging and groundwater in most parts of the district is also unfit for human consumption. Further, some reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plants are also lying defunct. Besides, Muktsar is one of the worst-affected districts from cancer in the state. But shockingly, no detailed survey of water has been done in the district in the last few years. As per the figures procured from the district administration, nine of 37 water samples failed in Chak Sherewala block, 13 of 30 in Doda block, 15 of 30 in Lambi block, six of 10 in Malout town, 15 of 34 in Muktsar town and four of 30 in Alamwala block.
The Health Department mainly checks heavy metals (like fluoride), total dissolved solids, bacteria combination and chemicals in water.
Dr Sukhpal Singh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), said, “When our teams find any water sample unfit for drinking, they inform the departments concerned to adopt corrective measures. In some cases, we recommend changing the water source as well. Earlier, some hand pumps were also sealed.”
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