(a) whether the Central Underground Water Board has termed drinking water of most of Delhi`s areas
as impotable as reported in the Dainik Jagran dated November 24, 2004;
(b) if so, the facts thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)to(c): The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reported that the contents in the news item that appeared in the
Dainik Jagran dated 24.11.2004 is not factually correct. The ground water in some parts of Delhi specially
in South, South-West and North Delhi is of poor quality. However, installation of deep tube-wells is done by
DJB in consultation with the Central Ground Water Board. The quality of water from the tubewell is confirmed
for its safety and meeting the required standards. Periodical checks are made to ensure its quality.
During the period 16.10.2004 to 31.10,2004 a total of 2284 water samples were lifted from west, South-West
and North Delhi. Out of these, 57 samples were found bacteriologically unsatisfactory which were due to local
faults i.e. leakages in individual service pipes.
The DJB also reported that the report that 270 water samples were lifted from South Delhi in
the month of April, 2004 and tested for pesticides residue (DDT) is not correct. No such report was
furnished by DJB indicating 78% failure and presence of pesticides residue in the water.