Officials concerned here are mulling over such a restriction, besides the implementation of strict vigil over packaged as well as non-packaged drinking water, to provide quality water. A meeting will be held in a couple of days along with the health officials on the steps to be taken over the sale of water sachets and packaged drinking water.

Corporation Commissioner Anshul Mishra, when contacted, said sachets also lead to pile up of a lot of garbage, which was also a reason for them, besides water contamination, to discuss the issue.

“Normally, well-established companies do not sell water in sachets. However, we are seriously looking into the issue and will come out with a plan in a couple of days,” said the commissioner, adding they might strongly suggest those involved in the trade not to sell sachets.

What type of restrictions or suggestions that would be brought in, regarding the sale of water sachets, could be known only after the meeting, he said.

The Corporation might also introduce small, half-litre water bottles for, instead of sachets. “A detailed action plan is being worked out by health officials for the safety of people in all aspects, which will be implemented shortly,” he said.

It was also found that rag pickers were employed to collect water bottles of popular brands from roadside that were later used for recycling or re-filling of contaminated water.

Many times, it becomes difficult for officials to trace and stop them from the business.

“We are going to work in coordination with the police to find out those who are in the business of filling water in the uncrushed plastic bottles of renowned companies and cheat people,” stressed Anshul Mishra.

On the other hand, he also offered to advise the public to crush the drinking water bottles of such companies after use, so that those in this murky business do not take advantage of it to sell it as purified water.

“Only when people fail to crush, some men try to indulge in its misuse,” he said adding they would initiate severe action against those who indulge in such practices.