Chandigarh, March 2
Presence of toxic substances such as metals, nickel and uranium in the drinking water across the state continues to be a big headache for the Punjab Government. Arsenic and other toxic substances have been detected in more than 1,000 villages.

The problem is more acute in certain parts of the Malwa belt compared to other regions. The high incidence of cancer in the Malwa region is often attributed to the presence of toxic substances in the drinking water.

A recent survey indicated that the incidence of cancer in Bathinda, Muktsar and other adjoining districts is higher than most parts of the country.

Punjab is set to submit a report to the Centre for setting up reverse osmosis (RO) plants in more villages and installing chlorination plants at more than 3,000 waterworks.

The Centre has set aside Rs 15,260 crore for clean drinking water and Rs 1,400 crore for setting up water purification plants in villages affected by arsenic and fluoride in the country.

“There is a plan to install RO plants in 1,012 villages where water is unfit for drinking. Around 180 villages have already received such plants. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will release funds to install plants in more than 500 villages soon. Besides, a demand for Rs 50 crore to set up RO plants in 220 villages and chlorination plants in 3,380 villages by the end of this fiscal has been sent to the Centre,” said Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Public Health Department.

During the next fiscal year, 500 more villages will be covered by RO plants, he said.

The department is preparing a drinking water quality improvement scheme for the state covering its 14,000 drinking water schemes.

“A technical profile of each scheme will be prepared to enable us take necessary steps,” said Suresh Kumar.

Further, there are plans to install mechanically operated RO systems with automated teller system, which will enable people to draw water from the system by putting in coins.