In the wake of the report on ‘Villagers want bio-medical unit closed’ ( The Hindu , Oct. 21), RTI activist Anandraj has urged the district administration must use the services of Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board engineers to conduct water sample tests in all hamlets in Tiruchuli taluk.

In a press release, he said that a brochure from TWAD Board stated that it was mandatory to carry out water sample tests twice a year, which would facilitate in gauging various chemicals present in potable water. The result from a water sample taken from the hamlets four years ago revealed that the TDS value and the fluoride content were “high” and thus “contaminated.” When such was the inference four years ago, the authorities should have swung into action and set right the anomalies.

While the polluting unit should be directed to rectify its defects, public should also be educated about the consequences of drinking such water. Drinking untreated water with high fluoride content had led to deformities among many healthy persons, Mr. Anandraj said and urged Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials to take stern action against polluting units.

Recent data from the Government Hospital there, accessed through Right To Information (RTI) Act, revealed that kidney ailments and lung infection cases were high in Tiruchuli taluk in Virudhunagar district. The guidelines prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should be strictly followed. Before the situation turned serious, the district administration must carry out water sample tests in all the panchayats and make arrangements to screen the public by urologists and nephrologists. This would not only instil confidence among the public, but also save lives, he said.

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