BANGALORE: The city’s civic body was in deep waters after two deaths were reported recently, when a two-yearold in Chalavadipalaya and a five-year-old in Padarayanpura succumbed to illnesses after allegedly consuming contaminated water.
However, to their relief, the BBMP health department’s report has stated that the water supplied by BWSSB in ward number 136 J J Nagar and 139 K R Market is unfit for consumption.
The report says that in the case of Chandran, a resident of Chalvadipalaya, BWSSB officials have to be blamed for the mishap.
“We were under tremendous pressure because BBMP was being held responsible.
But the latest reports suggest that the supply of water in the area is not on a par with the residual part per million (PPM) standard.
Now, the report has been sent to BWSSB engineers for them to file a reply,” said Devaki Umesh, medical health officer, BBMP.
She claimed that the health department had sent a letter to the BWSSB two months ago, urging them to take preventive measures to control water borne diseases and increase the residual level to two PPM from point one, during summer.
“We have deputed health officials to look into the matter.
Water samples have been collected for tests from other areas as well, and we have spoken to BWSSB officials to increase chlorine content in the water.
Apart from this, we have issued guidelines to public to boil the water before consumption.
At all BBMP hospitals we have stocked OSRL packs, IV fluids and other medicines,” she maintained However, the water board officials refused to take any blame.
Chief Engineer Venkat Raju said, “Our pipes are good and we supply potable water which is treated at T K Halli 12 times a day.
Water contamination happens only when people take illegal connection which results in seepage of drain water.” He added that BWSSB will start a disconnection drive against illegal connections and the pilot project will begin at Gangesh Mandir area.