The Bengal government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that several large-scale surface water-based drinking water projects, designed to address arsenic contamination in North 24 Parganas, are facing significant delays. These delays are attributed to fund shortages, land acquisition hurdles, and delays in securing clearances from multiple agencies.
Background of the Issue
Earlier, environmental activist Subhas Datta highlighted that most arsenic mitigation efforts have been completely stalled for a long time due to a lack of funds. In an affidavit filed before the eastern zone bench of the NGT, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) directorate acknowledged that the projects have been affected by an "acute paucity of funds" since October 2024. Additionally, disruptions during the Lok Sabha elections, the monsoon season, and the Durga Puja period have further hampered progress.
Details of the Affidavit
The affidavit, submitted by senior superintending engineer Aditi Basu Majumder, outlines the progress of multiple mega piped water supply schemes aimed at providing arsenic-free drinking water in affected districts. According to the affidavit, the integrated surface water-based piped water supply scheme covering the Baduria, Basirhat I and II, Deganga, and Swarupnagar blocks in North 24 Parganas has achieved approximately 70% overall physical progress. However, the project is now expected to be completed only by March 31, 2028, instead of the original timeline.
Challenges Faced
The PHE directorate cited several challenges that have contributed to the delays:
- Acute fund shortages since October 2024, which have severely impacted project execution.
- Land acquisition issues that have slowed down the acquisition of necessary plots for infrastructure development.
- Clearance delays from multiple agencies, adding bureaucratic hurdles to the process.
- Disruptions during the Lok Sabha elections, the monsoon season, and the Durga Puja festival, which caused work stoppages.
Impact on Residents
The delays in these projects mean that residents in the affected blocks continue to face the risk of arsenic contamination in their drinking water. Arsenic poisoning can lead to serious health issues, including skin lesions, cancer, and developmental problems. The completion of these projects is crucial for providing safe, arsenic-free water to the population.
Way Forward
The affidavit did not specify any concrete measures to address the fund shortage or expedite the project. However, the NGT may intervene to ensure that the state government prioritizes these projects and allocates the necessary resources. Environmental activists and local residents are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further delays and ensure timely delivery of clean water.
