(a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board have not compiled any data making the link between the outbreak
of water borne diseases and rising water pollution levels;
(b) if so, the reasons for the lapse; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (c) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has not compiled / collated data establishing a relation
between out-break of water borne diseases and rising water pollution levels. The correlation between out-break of
diseases and water pollution is primarily related to insanitary conditions as well as transmission of pathogens from environment to human beings through various routes. Further, the epidemic out-breaks are surveyed and regulated by the
State Departments of Health. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 lays emphasis on prevention of
water pollution and maintaining the water quality and has no specific mention for regulating out-break of diseases.
However, steps have been taken to prevent contamination / pollution of water particularly due to sewage as it is the
main cause responsible for out-break of water borne diseases.