India, March 10 -- Delhi government on Monday initiated a water quality sampling exercise across locations where contamination was detected in a recent independent testing exercise conducted by HT.

Of the 18 water samples collected by HT from across the city, eight - or around 44% - were found to contain either total coliform bacteria or E. coli, indicators of possible contamination. The exercise highlighted the need for constant and extensive monitoring of water supply, particularly in light of the ageing condition of the pipeline network.

Water minister Parvesh Verma has directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to ramp up testing and take corrective measures in areas flagged in the report, said officials from Verma's office.

DJB chief exec...