HC slams govt, BMC over drinking water in civic schools

The Bombay High Court on Thursday questioned the Maharashtra government and BMC's campaign

urging students of civic schools to drink more water, and asked if these schools indeed provide clean drinking water.

A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and R I Chagla was hearing a public interest litigation on lack of

clean toilets and drinking water facilities in civic-run schools.

"The government and civic body had very seriously started this drive to remind students to drink water

regularly. The emphasis is on clean drinking water. Do municipal schools provide clean drinking water to students?"

Justice Dharmadhikari asked. In several schools, children drink tap water and in

some cases even that is not available, the bench stated. Last month, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's

education department had issued a circular to its primary schools, asking them to ring school bells thrice a day to

remind students to drink water. The bench has posted the matter for further hearing in

March.