New Delhi: A year after nearly 20 blackbucks died in the Delhi zoo because of contaminated water, little has been done. A study by the central pollution control board reveals that the water in the zoo remains contaminated.
The report found high levels of dissolved solids - upto 16 times over the permissible limit of 500 milligrams per litre. This can lead to kidney stones and intestinal infections in mammals. High levels of Biological Oxygen demand were found upto 35 milligrams per litre way above the limit of 3 milligrams per litre, beyond which, fish don't survive. The total hardness of the water too was 5 to 8 times beyond the normal.
High levels of Total Dissolved Solids or the minute solid particles found in water ranged from 950 to 8000 mg/litre that is 2 to 16 times more than the permissible limit of 500 mg/L. This can lead to kidney stones and intestinal infections in mammals. High level of Biologial Oxygen Demand or the amount of oxygen required ranged from 19- 35 mg/L in the water bodies. The limit should be just 3mg/L.
The Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who was at the zoo after the death of a giraffe last week, raised concern.
Jairam Ramesh said, "When I heard of the giraffe, first thing that came to my mind was that the water was contaminated."
Blocked drains at the zoo are also leading to the backflow of the sewage water which is further posing a threat to the health of the animals.
Wildlife activist Kartick said, "It's a city problem basically. MCD/PWD there are so many agencies - they control water supply going out of zoo and if that chanel is not cleared, Delhi zoo will not get its water out."
Zoo officials however maintain that safe drinking water is being supplied to the animals separately.
Water in the hippopotamus pond looks highly contaminated even through the naked eye. While various agencies are on a mission to de-silt the drains, the question is will this happen by the time monsoon arrives when there is always a risk of water logging and sewage contamination.
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