A day after a man died due to consumption of contaminated water in Rajokri, officials of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) visited the locality on Thursday morning.
They provided medicines, ORS packets and chlorine for cleaning the water. “We collected samples. Our entire treatment & quality control team was there and now, results clearly reflect that the water is fit for drinking,” said Sanjam Chima, spokesperson for DJB. However, he added, “DJB has no water pipelines in the area as it is an unauthorised colony. We supply water only through tankers.” This was refuted by locals, who maintained that they have water metres and pay bills regularly.
Meanwhile, South Delhi Municipal Council (SDMC) Mayor Sarita Chaudhary visited Rajokri on Thursday and criticised the Government for failing to provide clean drinking water.
Chhote lal (37) had died and around 40 others fallen ill after allegedly consuming contaminated water on Wednesday. “The problem of contaminated water started from July 6. We complained many times to our MlA, but nothing was done. We even requested that pipelines be replaced, but to no avail,” said Balbir Singh, president of RWA. The colony has 500 houses whose pipelines are over 40 years old.
“Even my son fell ill after consuming the water. Yesterday he was admitted to Safdarjung hospital and now he is being treated in Maharishi Valmiki Hospital. The sewer and water pipelines are very close to each other so due to leakage, there is contamination,” added Singh.