The Jal Shakti department has declared 37 out of 40 water springs in Srinagar and Ganderbal unsafe for consumption after random sampling and testing of various springs at multiple locations.
The majority of the water springs tested positive for bacterial contamination, rendering them unfit for human consumption.
Authorities initiated testing of water bodies across different districts of Jammu and Kashmir following the hepatitis B (jaundice) outbreak among 27 children in South Kashmir's Anantnag district and the ongoing mysterious illness in Rajouri district, which has claimed 17 lives so far.
Officials informed reporters that the Jal Shakti (PHE) Rural Water Supply Division in Ganderbal/Srinagar carried out an extensive random sampling drive last month, covering springs in Ganderbal district and parts of Srinagar.
Out of the 40 samples collected, 37 were found to be bacteriologically positive, making the water unsafe for consumption.
The toxicity of the water has made even some famous springs unsafe for drinking. The department has issued public warnings urging people to refrain from consuming spring water.
Er Sami Ullah Beigh, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti RWS Division Ganderbal/Srinagar, explained that this routine exercise is conducted annually.
He confirmed that 37 of the 40 samples tested positive for bacteria, marking them as unsafe for human consumption.
“Bacteriological testing is crucial to detect harmful bacteria that may cause illnesses, ensuring that water is safe for consumption, recreation, and other uses,” Beigh said.
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