‘67 pipelines in city are in critical state’

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) today said that in total 642 water pipelines of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) are passing through drains and 67 should be shifted immediately.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Monday said that in total 642 water pipelines of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) are passing through drains and this is becoming a public hazard.

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"Of the 642 pipelines, 67 are the critical ones which should be shifted immediately. But DJB has managed to shift and correct only six so far. We are ready to extend our support to them as and when required," said VK Monga, chairman, Public Health Committee of the MCD.

He added that in March the MCD had taken water samples and had found that 18% water was contaminated. "I had written to chief minister Sheila Dikshit about it and in May I had received a reply stating that my complaint had been forwarded. But till date I haven't received a reply from the Jal board,” said Monga.

Monga said if the DJB had any doubt on the joint inspection carried out by MCD and DJB, they should undertake another survey independently.

DJB officials, on the other hand, said while contamination could not be ruled out, even residents are to be blamed.

Officials said in many places water gets contaminated as the service connection to the houses are faulty.

"The line connecting the house with DJB's line is the responsibility of the house owner and is seldom changed. Sometimes with the use of online boosters, which is illegal, contamination can be brought into the system and can spread from such an area to other nearby areas.

Hence, DJB advises people to check their service pipelines from time-to-time,” a DJB statement stated.