AMARAVATI: The state government is setting up four water analysis labs of international standards in East and West Godavari districts. The decision was taken following the spread of the mystery disease in Eluru last year.
An US-based renowned firm in water analysis—Perkin Elmer—has been roped in to set up the labs. Initially, one lab each will be upgraded in Eluru, Narsarpuram (West Godavari), Rajahmundry and Kakinada (East Godavari). The government will spend Rs 7 crore on each lab where the water quality will be tested to identify the presence of about 70 metals and 24 chemical pesticide residues.
The state government is contemplating to expand the project across the state after studying the efficacy of the pilot project in the two Godavari districts. Chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed the rural water supply and municipal administration departments to closely monitor the quality of the drinking water being supplied. He said there should not be any compromise in quality of water supplied to the public through protected drinking water schemes.
Though there are 112 labs in the state, they can analyse the presence of just 14 metals. Besides, these labs are not equipped to ascertain the presence of pesticide residues or other dangerous metals. Scientists had found several varieties of harmful metals in the drinking water supplied by the civic body in Eluru. These particles are reported to have escaped the screening at local laboratories due to the non-availability of advanced testing kits.
The government suspects the high number of aqua farms in West Godavari as a possible reason for drinking water contamination, as these farms release chemical effluents directly into drinking water canals.
