(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned “Risk of Fluorosis in 170 Government Schools†appearing in the Hindustan Times dated September 6, 2002;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein; and
(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to reduce/minimise fluoride in water?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) As per survey conducted by the Government of NCT
of Delhi, during the year 2000-01, about 560 samples out of
3000 samples were found with fluoride more than 1
milligram/litre. These samples were collected from the
drinking water source located in the residential localities
of the school children covering 173 schools in South,
South-West, North and North West districts of Delhi. The
survey conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board
during 1997-98 indicated higher level of concentration of
fluoride in Najafgarh, Kanjhawala, Alipur and City blocks
of Delhi.
(c) Provision of safe drinking water is the
responsibility of the concerned State Government. The CGWB
provides technical services to the State Governments in
this endeavour. The CGHWB has taken periodic monitoring of
water quality. The data thus collected is made available
to the concerned State agencies. The Board has also
organized mass awareness programmes to educate people about
ground water pollution and over-exploitation.