PHE asked to reduce chemicals in water

SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has asked the PHE Chief Engineer SK Blah to take immediate action to explore the possibility of ensuring supply of safe drinking water by reducing or by substituting dosages of chemicals used for water purification.
During the hearing of the pending PIL, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice HS Thangkhiew on Wednesday referred to the affidavit of the PHE Chief Engineer that cited the cause of greasy layer appearing on the surface of treated water.
Higher dosage of chemicals (aluminium sulphate) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) used during water purification process is a factor.
The PHE official also cited the recommendations of the expert committee on the matter.
One of the recommendations of the expert committee was that authorities responsible for the treatment of water at the Water Treatment Plant in Mawphlang should “optimise the chemical dosing of aluminium sulphate and hydrated lime, regulate the pH level of water during coagulation process and ensure efficient filtration throughout the water treatment process”.
The committee said a substitute coagulant chemical known as Poly aluminium chloride may be used on trial basis in place of aluminium sulphate to tackle higher level of turbidity and minimise the yield of residual aluminium.
The committee also suggested the need to avoid using chemicals in excess of the required dosage to treat water and the authorities should strictly follow the prescribed procedures and practices in estimating the correct dosage of chemicals and the methods to use them.
Harisabha to get water
The court also took up the issue of water scarcity in Lumkartic-Harisabha area of Laban.
The Executive Engineer, PHE, Greater Shillong Water Supply Division has been asked to repair GI pipes so that distribution of water to Harisabha tank is adequate.
A joint meeting has been held between the Shillong Municipal Board and PHE and it was noticed that 1,50,000 liters of water per day is required. The site was inspected by the Sub-Divisional Officer, PHE regarding feasibility of providing water in Harisabha area.
After joint inspection, a report was prepared in terms cost for drawing water pipe line with Rs 13,36,519.
The court asked the Director of Urban Affairs Department to sanction the amount within 10 days.