A report released by Total Environment Awareness Movement (TEAM) revealed the poor status of ground water level in the Capital City.
The survey report compiled after an indebt analysis of two months stated that few localities of western area which include Harmu housing colony, Ashok Nagar, Swarn Jayanti Nagar, Vidya Nagar and Bhawani Nagar are more acidic with pH level 4 to 6.2 in comparison to the other parts of the city. The survey covered two basic dimensions Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) and pH value.
According to the experts, in general, water with a pH less than 7 is considered acidic and with a pH greater than 7 is considered basic. The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5 and for groundwater systems 6 to 8.5.Average pH of drinking water should be 6.5 to 7.5.
Similarly, more alkaline in water is found in eastern vicinity which includes Kantatoli, Purulia Road, Kokar Chowk, Tharpakhna and other few adjoining areas. According to the report, Ratu Road, Madhukam, Morabadi, Indrapuri, ITI Bajra are few selected pockets which is at present considered best in terms of water quality and is fit for consumption. Rest other localities either have normal water quality or mixed water quality.
Interestingly, even the packaged drinking water failed the pH level test here. Jar water and branded packaged drinking water must be barred from consumption, said, Manoj Kumar, Founder president and Chief Researcher, TEAM.
“After testing jar water, it was found that on an average the pH level of it is 5.5 to 6.3. Even the packaged drinking water did not pass the set parameters. The pH level was found 5.5 to 6 in maximum packaged drinking water sold out in Ranchi. Similar is the case with supply water beside the pH level 5.5 to 6.2, the supply water is harmful for consumption as tinge of coli form and bacteria was found in water during the test. PHED in general uses excess toxic material for chlorination and Alum treatment and is injurious if consumed for long,” added Kumar.
After the survey was concluded, the entire city has been divided into three zones. Zone one consists of heavy metal industries area, zone two covers all those parts where there is a presence of small scale industries and zone three comprises all common residential areas with concrete sewerage system.
Soon copies of the report will be handed over to CM Raghubar Das, Governor Droupadi Murmu, Minister Urban Development CP Singh including Human Rights Commission. Kumar has assured that if the government fails to take necessary action in stimulated time, he will knock the High Court door for further plan of action on this public interest issue.