India official deplores drinking water

Water not fit for human consumption is being used by millions of poor people in northern India, a state official has said.

In the state of Uttar Pradesh, Minister of Urban Development Mohammed Azam Khan said Friday that ground water contains carcinogens. He called the results "frightening," Pakistan's Dawn internet newspaper reported.

The state public works department released a report claiming the water was "not fit for human consumption" and could lead to cancer and other illnesses.

Contaminants such as arsenic, lead and cadmium were present in ground water tested in 42 out of the state's 70 districts.

The minister said that once water is contaminated, it is difficult to restore its purity.

The state, which has a population of more than 166 million, will request funds from the World Bank to help rectify the situation and provide the public with safe drinking water.