Water in national capital Delhi unfit for drinking

New Delhi, July 18: Ahead of the monsoon season, when threat of water-borne diseases is at its peak, 44 per cent of water samples taken from Sadar Paharganj area were found to be unfit for drinking, while the figure was 43 per cent for Civil Line zone, according to a report.

According to the report of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, 225 of 667 samples failed to pass the potability test in Narela zone, 310 of 941 samples were found to be unsuitable for drinking in Karol Bagh.

The only saving grace in the report was the result of samples from urban areas and Rohini zone under NDMC. In urban areas under NDMC, only five out of 250 samples were declared unfit, while in Rohini the figure was nine out of 2,713.

Notwithstanding the figures, the corporation officials claimed they are well prepared to handle the rainy season ahead.

"The fumigation drive is on, chlorine tablets are being distributed and notices will be served to households which are found to be negligent. People are being educated about the maintenance of hygiene in this season," said a statement from the health department.

Six cases of dengue, 50 of malaria and 49 of cholera have been reported so far this year. There have been no deaths due to dengue so far in 2013.

PTI