Vijayawada, April 09: The number of unauthorised mineral water plants is increasing in the city due to lack of proper machinery to keep a vigil on spurious units.
Following the outbreak of diarrhoea in several parts of the city due to contamination of drinking water, the Public Health officials of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation have intensified raids on unauthorised mineral water plants.
According to an estimate, there are more than 100 unauthorised mineral water plants in and around the city. About 20 plants are located in the city limits.
Of the total 20 mineral water plants in the city, only three plants got ISI certification, which is a testimony to callousness of VMC officials towards public health.
The remaining 17 mineral water plants are running without any valid licence or a no objection certificate from the VMC.
In the raids conducted by the VMC officials in the last few days, 13 unauthorised mineral water plants have been sealed.
Owners of some of the plants moved court and got stay order to continue their business.
According to the VMC Public Health officials, the analysis of water samples collected from the unauthorised mineral water plants revealed that they contained harmful bacteria.
At a review meeting held yesterday, the district in-charge minister andminister for mines Galla Aruna Kumari directed the VMC officials to constitute special teams to check the spread of diarrhoea in the city.
She also said the municipal corporation officials should evolve a plan of action before the onset of monsoon to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases during the rainy season.
The unauthorised mineral water plants set up on the outskirts of the city are running without any hindrance as they do not come under the purview of VMC limits. Some of them are located in neighbouring Guntur district.
The municipal officials also conducted raids on pan shops selling water sachets.
The pan shop owners have been warned of action if they sell water sachets supplied by the unauthorised mineral water plants, the corporation officials said.
–Agencies