Ghaziabad: Nearly 100 residents of Mahagunpuram Society have reported falling ill with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache and fever over the past few days, prompting health officials to suspect contamination in the society’s water supply.
According to the health department, the first complaints surfaced on October 16, when several residents reported signs of food- and water-borne illness. Acting on the alert, the district Rapid Response Team (RRT) and the Mobile Medical Unit set up a health camp inside the society to assess the situation and provide treatment.
During the medical camp held at the society’s clubhouse, 54 residents were treated for vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhoea, and mild fever. Officials also distributed ORS packets, medicines, and chlorine tablets to affected families.
The health department collected seven water samples from different locations within the society to determine the source and extent of contamination. Residents were advised to boil and cool drinking water before use and were educated on preventive measures against water-borne diseases.
Dr, RK Gupta, District Surveillance Officer
Officials also observed that the society does not have an active chlorination (dozer) system for water purification. Moreover, residents alleged that the sewage treatment plant (STP) in the society has not been functioning properly, causing sewage accumulation in the basement area, a possible source of contamination.
By Friday, 64 residents had received medical aid and medicines at the camp. Residents told officials that the water supplied to their homes had been emitting a foul odour for the last two to three days.
The water was stinking, and many people developed stomach problems after consuming it. Some even had to visit nearby clinics for treatment.
Resident
Mahagunpuram, home to around 7,100 residents across 1,575 flats in 11 towers, reported the highest number of complaints from Bhangarithi Tower.
Resident
Corrective measures will be implemented once water test reports are received. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring immediate treatment to those affected.
Senior Manager
This is not the first such incident in Mahagunpuram. In 2021, over 100 residents had fallen ill under similar circumstances. Tests conducted at the time revealed the presence of hydrogen sulphide in the drinking water, indicating contamination.