New Town Kolkata Housing Complex Reports Coliform Bacteria in Water Supply
In a concerning development for urban residents, another residential complex in Kolkata has reported water quality issues, following a recent incident at Sukhobrishti Housing Complex. The One 10 Housing complex, located in Action Area 1 near Aquatica Water Park in New Town, has detected the presence of coliform bacteria in its water samples, raising alarms among its approximately 2,500 residents across 700 flats.
Residents Voice Concerns and Demand Immediate Action
On Sunday, residents gathered at the complex to meet with local councillor Binu Mondal, urging swift intervention to ensure the supply of safe drinking water. Somnath Ghosh, a resident, emphasized the urgency, stating, "Residents demand expedited connection to a centralised filtered water network. Any delay can escalate into a public health crisis." So far, no cases of illness have been reported, but the potential risks have prompted significant worry.
Detailed Water Test Results Reveal Multiple Contaminants
Moloy Das, another resident, highlighted that recent water test reports indicate elevated levels of various contaminants. "The water has higher levels of turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium, magnesium, chloride, iron, and manganese," he explained. "Due to this, the water does not meet BIS water standards and is not safe for drinking or human consumption. We need surface water from BMC or NKDA under AMRUT or any other scheme." Currently, the complex relies on underground water sources, which are treated internally, but this system is seen as vulnerable.
Vulnerabilities in the Current Water Supply System
Alok Dutta, a resident, pointed out the risks associated with dependence on groundwater. "Coliform bacteria was detected in the raw water. It is treated internally, but that puts us at enormous risk if the filtration plant malfunctions or if consumption pressure increases with rising occupancy," he said. This reliance on a self-managed system, without a dedicated filtered water network, leaves residents exposed to potential health hazards.
Authorities Respond and Outline Plans for Resolution
Councillor Binu Mondal, who represents ward 27 under the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), confirmed that residents have raised their concerns. "The housing complex authorities arrange water on their own. Following their request, inspections were conducted. The issue was communicated to the BMC member, mayor-in-council (water supply), and efforts are on to come up with a solution," he stated.
Tulsi Sinha Roy, the member of mayor-in-council for water supply, provided an update on the ongoing efforts. "The pipeline work to develop a distribution network in ward 27 is currently underway. Once it is completed, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department will make calculations and determine the amount of filtered water to be supplied to the area," Roy explained. This indicates that long-term solutions are in progress, though immediate concerns remain.
Context and Broader Implications
This incident follows a similar case at the Sukhobrishti Housing Complex last week, where suspected water contamination led several families to temporarily move out. Authorities have yet to conclusively identify the source of contamination at Sukhobrishti, adding to the urgency for addressing water safety issues across Kolkata's residential areas. A New Town Kolkata Development Authority official clarified that the One 10 Housing complex falls under the jurisdiction of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, highlighting the need for coordinated municipal action.
As residents await a permanent solution, the situation underscores the critical importance of reliable water infrastructure in urban settings to prevent public health emergencies.
