AMC to focus on quality drinking water in Ahmedabad

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is leaving no stone unturned as they plan various measures to check the quality of drinking water this summer.

The civic body will conduct checks and raids to maintain quality drinking water and thus reduce incidence water borne diseases.

At a meeting recently held in AMC, the officials discussed and approved the summer action plan for this year which focuses on the quality of drinking water.

The civic body will conduct regular checks at different areas of the city. Various juice vendors of the city have to ensure the quality of the water they use in their juices and beverages. Municipal commissioner of AMC, Guruprasad Mohapatra, told DNA how they are focusing on water and will check industrial units as well.

"All ice factories in the city will be checked every week by the officials. They will verify the quality of water used to make ice. The basic purpose is to reduce the cases of water borne diseases." Samples will be collected and those found guilty will be penalised by the health officials.

The officials will also conduct a check on drinking water bottles and water pouches. Bottles/pouches found unhygienic will be sealed by the officials.

Moreover, the officials will also keep a check on public places like buildings, banks, schools, colleges, offices etc. "It is a new activity that we are conducting this year. The quality of potable water at various buildings will be checked to ensure that people do not consume polluted water."

There has been a decline in typhoid, jaundice and gastro diseases during Jan-March 2011 as well Jan-March 2012. "Hence, we want to maintain this and want to ensure that incidences of such diseases are minimal in the city," added Mohapatra.