Groundwater Pollution Investigation Intensifies in Rajiv Nagar; Joint Team Inspects Water Sources and Suspected Factory
Bhilai : An investigation into complaints of foul-smelling water and suspected chemical contamination has intensified in the Rajiv Nagar area of Khursipar in Bhilai. A joint team comprising officials from the Bhilai Municipal Corporation, Environment Department and Central Ground Water Board visited the area and collected water samples from multiple sources for testing.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Water Quality
Local residents informed the officials that groundwater levels fall significantly during the summer months and that water supplied through borewells and taps often has an unpleasant smell.
Residents have also expressed concerns that the water could contain chemical substances, prompting authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the quality of the groundwater.
Samples Collected From Several Areas
Based on the complaints, the joint team collected water samples from bore pumps, hand pumps and taps in several localities, including:
- Rajiv Nagar
- Laxmi Nagar
- Gautam Nagar
- Durga Mandir Ward
- Bapu Nagar
Five separate samples were also collected from Wards 43, 44, 45 and 46 of Khursipar for laboratory examination.
The samples will undergo chemical testing to determine whether any harmful or unusual substances are present in the groundwater.
Suspected Factory Inspected
The investigation was not limited to residential water sources. Officials also inspected water sources at Bapu Nagar Government School and Sharda National School.
A suspected factory in the area was also inspected to identify whether industrial activity could be contributing to possible groundwater contamination.
Bhilai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Suruchi Singh said that chemical testing of the collected water samples is underway and officials are attempting to identify the possible source of the suspected pollution.
Investigation Into Industrial Effluent Treatment Systems
Authorities are also checking nearby industries to determine whether Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) have been installed and whether they are functioning properly.
Commissioner Suruchi Singh said that officials are examining whether industrial units in the surrounding area are following the required environmental safeguards and whether their treatment systems are operational.
The findings of the water tests are expected to provide further clarity on whether the foul smell is linked to chemical contamination or another source.
‘Jal Raksha Bhilai’ Plan to Address Water Problems
Meanwhile, the Bhilai Municipal Corporation has launched the Jal Raksha Bhilai initiative to address groundwater depletion and waterlogging-related challenges in the city.
Under the initiative, the Bhilai Municipal Corporation, IIT Bhilai and the Central Ground Water Board will work together to prepare a scientific plan using GIS technology.
The project will focus on studying rainwater flow, water conservation and groundwater recharge so that water resources can be managed more effectively.
Long-Term Effort to Protect Groundwater
Officials said that groundwater protection and restoration is a long-term process. The administration is continuing efforts to identify potential sources of contamination and ensure the safety of water resources.
The results of the chemical analysis of the samples collected from Khursipar will be important in determining the actual cause of the foul-smelling water and whether groundwater contamination is taking place in the area.
