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Clean drinking water not a priority for Delhi University: DUSU

National,Education,Health, Wed, 20 May 2009 IANS

New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) The Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) Wednesday alleged that colleges of the Delhi University are not serious about providing clean drinking water to students.

'Most of the colleges in Delhi University do not provide clean drinking water. When I became the union president last October, I asked all 51 colleges affiliated to DUSU to give us an authority letter so that we can check the purity of water and install aqua guards (water purifiers) wherever required,' DUSU President Nupur Sharma told reporters here.

'The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of water in some colleges in Delhi University revealed that most of the colleges have higher levels that is not drinkable. This is because the aqua guard is either too old or are not working due to non-maintenance,' the Sharma said.

TDS level defines the purity of water. If it is between 100-500, the water is drinkable but above 500, it is harmful for the health. Above 500 TDS level would mean that it is hard water, which cannot be used for drinking.

'In spite of the fact that the funding was to be done by DUSU itself, the colleges did not reply on time. We reminded them repeatedly but even after six months, only 12 colleges have replied. We have checked the TDS level in those colleges and the results are alarming,'said Sharma, who fought her election on clean drinking water issue.

'All colleges where tests were performed will be getting brand new drinking-water treatment equipment. In three out of the 12 colleges, the TDS levels have been found to be above 500. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifiers will have to be set up in three colleges - S.P.M. College (576), P.G.D.A.V. College (631) and Vivekananda College (639),' she added.

In the remaining colleges, a normal aqua guard would be installed. The aqua guards would be put up in two-three weeks by DUSU.

Urging other colleges to give them permission letters to install aqua guards, Sharma said: 'It would be very hot in June-July and it is important that we provide students with clean drinking water,' she said.