Minister calls meet to discuss TG Halli water quality

BANGALORE: Minister S Suresh Kumar has called a meeting of the BWSSB top brass on Monday to discuss allegations that water supplied from Tippagondanahalli reservoir is contaminated.
A recent report by the Public Health Institute has indicated the presence of turbidity and dissolved solids in the samples collected. The report termed the water "unfit for potable purposes".
The campaign against the contamination is led by MLA Narendra Babu. Although it has been condemned as political manipulation by many, a study has thrown up many shocking facts.
The water from Tippagondanahalli reservoir is supplied to Vijayanagar, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Rajajinagar, Mahalakshmi Layout and other areas.
The samples were collected from Kittalahalli bridge, located a few kilometres from the reservoir. The results of the samples showed that turbidity of the water is 21 points, 11 points more than the permissible level.
The amount of dissolved solids in the water is 2390mg per litre, which is 390mg more than the permissible level. Apart from this, the bacteriological analysis of the water too has declared the water unsafe for drinking.
Although the report shows only contamination in the water before purification, Narendra Babu said people living in areas where the water is distributed had complained that it carries water-borne diseases.
According to doctors, the presence of any bacteria and dissolved solids could be injurious to health. "Any kind of bacterial or dissolved solid presence in the water leads to health problems," said Dr HS Ballal, medical director, Manipal Hospital.