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NGT Slams Punjab Over Toxic Water Crisis
27 Nov
Summary
- Residents suffer diseases from contaminated Zirakpur-Banur-Rajpura water supply.
- NGT orders potable water tankers daily for affected areas.
- Punjab Chief Secretary to fix responsibility for delay.
Residents in the Zirakpur-Banur-Rajpura belt continue to face severe health issues, including cholera and typhoid, from a contaminated municipal water supply. A petition filed in 2022 highlighted these problems, leading the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to order the replacement of water supply lines and ensure potable water within six months in July 2023. However, over 28 months later, the situation remains dire.
The NGT expressed "deep anguish" over the ongoing blame game between the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and the Rajpura municipal council, noting that millions of citizens are suffering. The tribunal has now mandated that municipal councils in Rajpura, Banur, and Zirakpur must immediately arrange for daily potable water supply through tankers to all affected areas until pipeline replacement is completed.
In a strong directive, the NGT has ordered the Punjab Chief Secretary to personally intervene, identify those responsible for the "shocking delay and dereliction of duty," and initiate disciplinary action. The Chief Secretary is required to submit a personal affidavit detailing the actions taken within eight weeks. The executive officer of the Rajpura municipal council and the director of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board are also summoned to appear virtually at the next hearing.
