Laloo allays pH value fear

SHILLONG: The Deputy Chief Minister in charge PHE RC Laloo said in Assembly on Thursday that the water provided to parts of city is safe and not acidic.
In reply to a question by Ardent Basaiawmoit (HSPDP) on whether the water supplied by the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme is fit for human consumption, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the pH value is 6.9 and there is no cause of concern.
The HSPDP legislator pointed out that if the pH value is less than 7, it indicates that the water is acidic.
However, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the quality of water in terms of pH level ranges from 6.5 to 8.5 as per the tests carried out by Pasteur Institute.
Basaiawmoit reminded the Deputy Chief Minister that as per media reports, the water is not fit for consumption.
In reply, Laloo said that  soon after the meida reports, a meeting was convened by him and subsequently tests were conducted which revealed that water was fit for consumption.
To a supplementary question by Paul Lyngdoh (UDP), Laloo said that as per the recommendations of Public Accounts Committee, the labs for testing water will be upgraded.
He also assured that demand of the people of Tura for safe drinking water will be addressed by the government.