MC forms QRTs, steps up water quality surveillance amid contamination complaints

Chandigarh: Amid repeated complaints of contaminated drinking water from various parts of the city, the municipal corporation’s engineering wing has ordered intensified monitoring, testing and surveillance of the potable water supply system.MC chief engineer Sanjay Arora Monday directed the superintending engineer (public health) and all three executive engineers of the public health wing to strengthen quality surveillance and take immediate corrective action in cases of water contamination.The directions come in the wake of multiple complaints and media reports highlighting instances of contaminated drinking water across Chandigarh.In a communication issued to officials, Arora said such reports were being viewed seriously by higher authorities and called for “immediate, proactive and sustained action” to safeguard public health.“It has been observed that various daily press clippings have recently highlighted incidents and complaints relating to contamination of drinking water in different areas of the city. Such reports are being viewed seriously by the higher authorities and necessitate immediate, proactive and sustained action to safeguard public health,” the letter stated.The chief engineer said the matter must be accorded top priority and warned that any lapse in monitoring or response would be viewed seriously.

To ensure prompt action, the MC has directed the constitution of quick response teams (QRTs) in every public health division for inspection and testing of water quality immediately after receiving complaints or adverse media reports. The teams will be tasked with preventing outbreaks of water-borne diseases and other public health emergencies.The corporation has also ordered intensified daily water quality testing, with reports from all divisions to be reviewed every week.

Officials have further been asked to prepare a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering sampling, testing, field inspections, reporting timelines, public communication and preventive measures for uniform implementation across the city.Box: Key directions issuedExecutive Engineer (PH-III), the nodal officer, to monitor daily reports and complaints related to water contamination, leakages and sewer-water intermixing and ensure immediate field verificationSuperintending engineer (PH) to conduct dedicated review meetings every Friday with all executive engineersQuick response teams to be set up in every public health division for rapid inspection and testingDaily water quality testing to be intensified, with reports reviewed weeklyComprehensive SOP to be prepared for sampling, testing, response mechanisms, reporting timelines and public communication