NGT directs CS Punjab to take remedial steps for providing safe drinking water to 84 Govt Schools in Ludhiana
New Delhi, April 19, 2021: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Chief Secretary Punjab to take remedial steps for providing safe and clean drinking water to the students of 84 goverment schools in Ludhiana district.
While disposing an application filed by Advocate H.C. Arora, the National Green Tribunal, vide its order dated April 16th, 2021, has observed that as per RTI Information, water of 63 Government Schools of Ludhiana district, is found exceeding the laid down parameters of alkalinity, hardness, calcium and total dissolved solids (TDS).
The NGT has further observed that water being supplied through submersible pumps to children of 23 other Government Schools in said District is found to have bacterial contamination.
“Steps are required to be taken for preventing pollution of water, and pending such steps, wherever water is contaminated, steps are required to be taken for providing safe drinking water. This is primary obligation of the State Thus. Remedial action is required to be taken by the State Authorities,” NGT observed.
The NGT has directed Chief Secretary, Punjab Vini Mahajan to look into the matter in co-ordination with the other concerned departments, ascertain the causes of contamination, and take remedial action for ensuring supply of safe drinking water in the interest of public health. Meeting with concerned departments for the purpose may be held within one month and further action be taken as per decision so taken.