Poison scare turns Aizawl dry

Aizawl, Aug 27 (UNI) Water crisis looms large in the city with the Mizoram Public Health Engineering (PHE) department cleaning the main water distribution tank two days ago following information of water contamination.

The scarcity of potable water has taken a serious turn from yesterday while the water business recieved a boost with the interruption of public water distribution system.

PHE Chief Engineer J P Sinha said detection of dead fishes and crabs in the Tlawng river, the main source of water to the Mizoram capital, has prompted them to flush out the water and suspend water supply.

'' We are compelled to stop distribution of water to the city fearing that the water had become contaminated and harmful for human consumption'', Mr Sinha said.

Besides, cleaning up the main tank the department had also sent the water samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory and got the confirmation of contamination. As a result, all the main and zonal tanks have also been drained as they too could be contaminated.

Aizawl district Superintendent of Police L T Hrangchal, however, said a man, identified as Malsawma, a resident of Tlangnuam locality, was arrested following investigation that the man had used an insecticide called Cipermatrine to catch fish in a stream that joins Tuithum river.

He however, said the investigation is still going on as it could not be ascertained whether the use of insecticide had affected the water.

'' Cipermatrine, an insecticide, was deadly even for humans and its consumption could lead to permanent disability and death,'' he added.

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