KOLKATA, 13 FEB: The state public health engineering (PHE) department has invited experts from across the world to tour the four districts affected by arsenic seeking suggestions for the use of modern technology to tackle the problem. Apart from visiting the four districts ~ North 24-Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad and South 24-Parganas ~ experts will also visit the three districts partially-affected by arsenic ~ Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore. State PHE minister Subrata Mukherjee today said that 45 international experts and 25 national experts have been invited at the international conference on “Water Quality with special reference to Arsenic” to be held on 18 and 19 February. The conference will be followed by a field visit that is scheduled on 20 February. The conference will be organised by PHE department in collaboration with the ministry of drinking water and sanitation. Mr Mukherjee said with the increased budgetary allocation, the department has undertaken various projects in these districts. The government has set a target to provide 100 litre of arsenic-free, fluoride-free, iron and saline-free drinking water per head per day in the rural areas. sns