IN THE wake of recent fatalities in Indore caused by contaminated water consumption, the safety of Bhopal’s drinking water supply has come under intense scrutiny. On Tuesday, the Congress Councillor group, led by the Leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation, Shabista Zaki, conducted a surprise inspection of the Water Treatment Plant at Shyamla Hills, uncovering startling irregularities in the filtration process.

 

Illegal Discharge into Upper Lake The inspection team found that the 'raw water' or impure residue generated after the filtration process was being discharged directly back into the Upper Lake, the city's primary source of potable water. Shabista Zaki pointed out that under standard environmental and safety protocols, it is mandatory to have a dedicated tank for raw water storage.

 

"There is no such facility at the Shyamla Hills plant. We demand to know on whose authority this contaminated water is being mixed back into the pure water reservoir without any valid permits or certification," Zaki stated. Quality Control in Jeopardy Perhaps the most alarming discovery during the visit was the complete absence of a qualified chemist at the plant to monitor water purity.

 

Congress councillors alleged that the plant authorities had no clear answers regarding who conducts the mandatory regular quality checks. While on-site staff provided two names of responsible officials, neither was found on duty. The delegation further noted that the filtration beds were in a state of neglect, with a thick layer of scum and dirt clearly visible on the surface of the water meant for distribution.

 

Intersection of Sewage and Potable Lines Councillors, including Guddu Chauhan, raised grave concerns over the city's aging infrastructure. They highlighted that pipelines laid 20 to 25 years ago have become severely dilapidated, leading to the dangerous mixing of sewage with drinking water. Residents in several old city pockets, including Ganganagar, have frequently complained of receiving foulsmelling and murky water.

 

Although these systemic flaws were highlighted in a 2023 technical report, the Municipal Administration has yet to take any corrective measures. Ultimatum for Reform The Congress Councillor group has demanded an immediate technical audit of all water treatment plants in the city, the mandatory appointment of chemists at every shift, and the urgent construction of separate raw water tanks.

 

The Leader of Opposition warned that if the municipal corporation fails to implement these reforms promptly, the Congress party will launch a massive public agitation and take the protest to the streets to safeguard the health of Bhopal’s citizens.