Three people have died, and 23 others have been hospitalized in Pallavaram, near Chennai, after reportedly consuming drinking water that was allegedly contaminated with sewage. The affected residents, from areas such as Malaimedu, Mariamman Kovil Street, and Muthalamman Kovil Street, began falling ill after consuming the water. Many were rushed to Chromepet Government General Hospital and a private hospital for medical treatment.
In response to the incident, Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma Subramanian has ordered a thorough investigation to confirm whether the water was indeed contaminated. Authorities have also urged the residents to avoid drinking piped water in the area until the investigation is complete.
Local residents have raised concerns about the potential sewage contamination of their drinking water, attributing the illnesses to the tainted supply. The issue has sparked widespread anxiety about the safety of the region’s water supply, raising serious questions about the efficacy of the water distribution system in the area.
Tamil Nadu Minister TM Anbarasan visited the affected areas and set up a medical camp to aid the victims. Speaking to reporters, Anbarasan stated, “Twenty-three people have fallen ill, and their conditions are being treated. It is not yet clear whether the drinking water was contaminated, and investigations are underway. We are also examining the possibility that the health issues could have been caused by food consumption. If the water was contaminated, we would expect the entire area to be affected.”
Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) expressed his shock and outrage over the deaths, condemning the state government for its failure to ensure safe drinking water. “It is the duty of the government to ensure that drinking water is safe and free from contamination,” he stated in a post on social media. EPS further criticized the government for not inspecting the water supply system, especially after the cyclone’s landfall, which could have worsened the situation.
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai also joined the criticism, questioning the government’s handling of the crisis. Annamalai accused Minister Anbarasan of being dismissive and blamed residents for the issue. “The state government’s response has been inadequate, and it is deeply concerning that the minister is not taking this situation seriously,” Annamalai said.
As investigations continue, the government has promised to take swift action to address the concerns surrounding the water supply and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
Sources By Agencies