Shillong, Oct 03: A recent investigation conducted by the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) has unearthed concerning findings regarding the quality of drinking water in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), residents in 44 localities within Shillong are consuming water that does not meet the safety standards set by the regulatory body.
In an effort to address these alarming concerns, FKJGP leaders took the initiative to collect water samples from 46 different localities across Shillong last month. These samples were then sent for testing to the State Food Testing Laboratory, Commissionerate of Food Safety, located at Pasteur Hills, Shillong. The motivation behind this investigation was the growing apprehension among the public regarding the quality of drinking water they had access to.
Upon receiving the results of these water samples, FKJGP leaders met with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to discuss the pressing issue of water quality in the state. The findings from the State Food Testing Laboratory were nothing short of troubling. According to Dundee Khongsit, the president of FKJGP, the report indicated that out of the 46 localities tested, a staggering 44 exhibited the presence of ‘Coliform and E. coli organisms.’
Additionally, these water samples displayed ‘low pH value, high turbidity, and iron content’ levels that exceeded the prescribed limits. This combination of factors unequivocally categorizes the water collected and tested in these 44 localities as ‘unsafe water,’ a classification made based on FSSAI standards. Khongsit emphasized that continuous consumption of such water poses severe risks to human health.
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The revelation of a low pH value in these water samples is particularly concerning. A low pH value suggests that the water is ‘acidic’ in nature. According to the standards set by FSSAI, the normal pH value for drinking water should range from 6.5 to 8.5. Any pH value falling below 6.5 classifies the water as acidic, which could have serious health implications.
The FKJGP is now urging the government to address this pressing public concern promptly. They are calling for immediate action to rectify the issue and ensure that the residents of Shillong have access to safe and clean drinking water. The safety and well-being of the people are at stake, and it is imperative that the government takes swift and decisive measures to mitigate the risks associated with consuming unsafe water.
The issue of water quality is of paramount importance, as it directly impacts the health and well-being of the residents of Shillong. Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that this right is upheld. The findings of the FKJGP’s investigation underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve water quality and safeguard the health of the people.
FKJGP’s investigation has shed light on a critical issue concerning the safety of drinking water in Shillong. With a significant number of localities found to be consuming unsafe water, it is imperative that the government takes swift and effective action to rectify the situation. The health and well-being of the residents are at stake, and addressing this issue must be a top priority to ensure a safe and healthy future for the people of Shillong.
