The directive came following an appeal filed by renowned lawyer Barrister Rabia Bhuiyan.

The appellant submitted that said the state has obligations under the constitution and international instruments on human rights to ensure people's access to safe drinking water.

Obligations of the state in this regard include taking reasonable legislative and other measures within its available resources to ensure the right to have access to safe water and emergency relief for persons and communities affected by arsenic contamination, she said.

She also said the government should also provide appropriate relief to the affected persons.

In 1999, Barrister Rabia Bhuiyan filed a writ petition with the High Court, challenging the failure of the government to take effective and adequate steps to protect the constitutionally guaranteed right to life, including the right to access to safe water.

The writ petition stated the authorities failed to seal up arsenic contaminated tube-wells, make emergency provision for safe drinking water and raise public awareness about the danger of drinking arsenic-contaminated water.

While the High Court dismissed the writ petition, the Appellate Division granted leave to appeal.