Contamination of Ground Water in Delhi

As per analyses of ground water samples collected by Central Ground Water Board from Yamuna flood plains during the period 2003 – 2011, arsenic in excess of the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/litre as prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500;2004) has been reported from one hand pump in Geeta Colony and three handpumps in Nagla Rajpura near Mayur Vihar Phase I on the eastern bank of river Yamuna. No such study to ascertain the cause of high concentration of arsenic has been carried out by Central Ground Water Board under the Ministry of Water Resources.

Delhi Jal Board has conceived a sewerage arrangement consisting of Laying of Interceptor sewer in a 59 km long stretch along three major drains viz. Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahdara to intercept sewage flowing from subsidiary small drains and convey it to the nearest Sewage Treatment Plants to ensure that only treated sewage is discharged. The sewage from over 1500 unauthorized colonies and other unsewered areas, including rural villages and JJ clusters will be trapped before it is permitted to reach all the major drains. This would ensure that the three major drains, which account for 75% of the pollution problem, receive only treated effluent.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources & Minority Affairs Shri Vincent H. Pala in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

MA/KT/VN