Responding to a series of water contamination incidents in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar issued immediate directives to officials to assess and enhance the quality of drinking water. This action follows numerous reports of water contamination and a surge in cholera cases within the state.
In his capacity as the Bangalore City Development Minister, Shivakumar penned letters to the chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner, urging swift measures to ensure the provision of safe drinking water to residents of Bengaluru.
Expressing a firm stance, the Deputy Chief Minister cautioned the top officials of potential disciplinary consequences should they fail to comply with the outlined directives.
On a broader scale, Shivakumar declared that drinking water quality would be comprehensively evaluated across the state, including in Bengaluru, to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases. He highlighted concerns over recent reports of water contamination, attributing them to rainfall and underscoring the potential threat of cholera and other waterborne illnesses.
Furthermore, Shivakumar emphasized the imperative for officials to prioritize the delivery of high-quality drinking water to the populace, alongside conducting regular testing procedures. Additionally, instructions were issued to expedite the repair of all non-functional drinking water dispensing units throughout the state.
Recent days have seen a surge in cholera cases within Karnataka, with reports of illnesses and unfortunate fatalities allegedly linked to the consumption of contaminated water. In light of these developments, Shivakumar's directives underscore the government's commitment to safeguarding public health and mitigating the risks associated with waterborne diseases.
