Residents of Greater Noida are up in arms over conflicting claims surrounding the quality of their drinking water. While authorities insist the supply is safe, locals report severe health issues, painting a picture of a brewing public health crisis.
The controversy erupted when multiple families in sectors like Alpha, Beta, and Omicron complained of stomach ailments, skin rashes, and unexplained fevers after consuming tap water. ‘We’ve been boiling it, filtering it, but nothing works,’ said Rajesh Kumar, a father of two from Sector Alpha. Independent tests by residents revealed high levels of E. coli and heavy metals, contradicting official water quality reports from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA).
GNIDA officials, however, maintain that routine checks show compliance with BIS standards. ‘Our parameters are within limits. Any issues stem from individual storage practices,’ claimed a senior engineer. This back-and-forth has fueled distrust, with protests gathering steam outside the authority’s office last week.
Experts weigh in on the risks. ‘Contaminated water can lead to long-term damage, including kidney failure and cancer,’ warns Dr. Meera Singh, a public health specialist. The irony is stark: Greater Noida, a hub of modern townships, grapples with basics like clean water amid rapid urbanization straining infrastructure.
As summer heat intensifies, the danger looms larger. Residents demand immediate action – third-party audits, new pipelines, and transparency. Until resolved, every sip carries uncertainty, threatening the well-being of lakhs.