PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) has recently proposed a new initiative involving mobile water testing labs (water quality test labs) to the authorities concerned. This initiative includes two new vans that will travel to specific locations to conduct water quality tests. The UJS secretary (Appraisal) Maneesh Semwal said that there are a total of 27 water quality labs across the State. Each day, officials test the water quality from various sources, including water sources, residences and other sites. The laboratories assess factors such as water hardness and other parameters, and if any deficiencies in the quality of water from a specific source are detected, the officials concerned investigate the cause and take appropriate action, he said.
According to him, each laboratory conducts approximately 500 to 600 water quality tests each month. He said that these laboratories are established in specific locations. Recently to enhance this water quality test service more strongly and facilitate immediate water quality testing during natural disasters, major events such as national or international sports competitions, visits of important dignitaries and similar occasions, the UJS has proposed mobile water testing labs. Under this initiative, two vans will be acquired—one for the Kumaon region and another for the Garhwal region—to provide prompt water testing. He stated that they have recently proposed this initiative to the relevant authorities, adding that the vans will be purchased after approval.
Semwal also said that the cost of one van for this initiative is Rs 60 lakh. This van will be equipped to test water properties such as calcium, aluminium, chloride and other quality factors. The primary goal of the initiative is to reduce the incidence of diseases linked to poor water quality, identify immediate results related to water quality and address other concerns. He emphasised that once approval is obtained, the implementation of this initiative in the State is expected to start soon.
