Greater Noida to Replace Old Iron Pipes After Water Contamination
GNIDA to replace old pipes after Delta 1 residents report illness.
Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen
Key Facts
GNIDA replacing galvanized iron pipes with plastic
Delta 1 residents reported contaminated drinking water
Residents reported loose motion and stomach ache
GNIDA inspected over 80 locations across 18 sectors
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Social Justice - Water governance, public health
GS Paper III: Infrastructure - Water supply systems, material science
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, linking to Jal Jeevan Mission
Visual Insights
Greater Noida Water Contamination Incident
Map showing the affected area (Delta 1, Greater Noida) and the sectors where water samples were collected.
Loading interactive map...
More Information
Background
The use of galvanized iron pipes for water distribution dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming widespread due to their strength and relatively low cost compared to other materials available at the time. However, the inherent vulnerability of galvanized iron to corrosion has been a long-standing issue. Over time, the zinc coating degrades, exposing the iron to water and leading to rust formation and potential leaching of lead (if lead-based solder was used in joints).
This has prompted a gradual shift towards alternative materials like copper, ductile iron, and, more recently, various types of plastic pipes (PVC, HDPE, etc.) that offer better corrosion resistance and longer lifespans. The transition reflects evolving understanding of material science, public health concerns, and the need for sustainable infrastructure.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there's been a growing emphasis on water quality monitoring and infrastructure upgrades across India, driven by increasing urbanization and concerns about waterborne diseases. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024, which includes replacing old and deteriorating water supply systems.
Smart water management systems, incorporating sensors and data analytics, are also gaining traction to detect leaks, monitor water quality in real-time, and optimize water distribution networks. The move by Greater Noida to replace old iron pipes aligns with this broader national trend towards ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all citizens.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. 2. The mission focuses exclusively on providing piped water connections. 3. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with partial funding from states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is incorrect as the mission also includes other sources of water. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
2. Which of the following is NOT a common issue associated with the use of galvanized iron pipes in water distribution systems?
- A.Corrosion and rust formation
- B.Leaching of lead into the water supply
- C.Increased water pressure due to pipe narrowing
- D.High initial installation cost
Show Answer
Answer: D
Galvanized iron pipes were initially chosen for their relatively low cost. The other options are common problems associated with their use.
3. Assertion (A): Replacement of old galvanized iron pipes with plastic pipes is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water. Reason (R): Galvanized iron pipes are prone to corrosion, leading to contamination of water with rust and potentially lead. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why replacing galvanized iron pipes is important.