In response to the tragic water contamination incident in Indore, which claimed ten lives by Friday, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has swiftly moved into a state of high alert. The civic body is taking proactive steps to prevent a similar public health emergency within its own jurisdiction.
PMC Springs into Action with Inspection Drive
Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena has issued urgent directives to executive engineers, junior engineers across all circles, and officials from the water supply branch. Their mandate is clear: conduct intensive on-site inspections and collect water samples for rigorous quality testing. The focus of this drive is particularly on zones with older water supply infrastructure, where risks might be higher.
Acting on these orders, officials were promptly seen collecting samples from various localities, including areas in Kankarbagh. These samples were then analyzed at the laboratory of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
Test Results and Public Reassurance
Following the tests, the PMC announced on Saturday that the city's water supply meets all prescribed safety standards. This announcement aims to reassure residents amidst the growing concerns triggered by the events in Indore.
Beyond one-time testing, the corporation emphasized that regular surveys are underway to identify and replace damaged or aging pipelines. As part of this ongoing effort, officials are also engaging directly with the community to gather feedback on their water supply.
Community Feedback and Official Advisory
Initial reports from these interactions have been positive, with no significant complaints regarding foul odour or discolouration of water from residents. However, the PMC has strongly advised citizens to remain vigilant.
The civic body has urged Patna residents to immediately report any suspected technical leakages or sanitation-related issues using the dedicated helpline number: 155304. This prompt reporting is considered crucial for preventing localized problems from escalating.
The swift action in Patna underscores how a public health crisis in one Indian city can trigger preventive reviews nationwide, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining urban water supply safety.
