3 dead, 30 hospitalized in Chennai due to suspected water contamination
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Chennai: Three people have died and 30 others have fallen ill in Pallavaram, near Chennai on Thursday after allegedly consuming drinking water contaminated with sewage.
Residents from areas including Malaimedu, Mariamman Kovil Street, and Muthalamman Kovil Street were admitted to Chromepet Government General Hospital and a private hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that the residents believe their health problems were due to drinking water mixed with sewage.
This incident has sparked serious concerns about the safety of the area's water supply, with an investigation underway to determine whether the drinking water was actually contaminated. Police, officials from Tambaram Corporation, and the Pallavaram Cantonment are all involved in the probe.
Tamil Nadu Minister T.M. Anbarasan visited the affected area and ordered the immediate establishment of a medical camp. He informed reporters that 23 people have been hospitalized, and it remains uncertain if the drinking water was contaminated. The investigation is also looking into whether the health issues could have stemmed from food consumption. Minister Anbarasan stated that if the water had been contaminated, the entire area would have been affected.
Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) expressed shock at the deaths and hospitalizations, criticizing the ruling DMK government for failing to ensure safe drinking water for residents. In a post on X, EPS emphasized that it is the government's responsibility to provide clean drinking water and should have ensured that the supply was free from contamination, particularly following the cyclone's landfall. He condemned Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government for its negligence, which he claimed put people's lives at risk. EPS demanded the government provide adequate medical care for those hospitalized and financial aid to the families of the deceased, as well as immediate steps to ensure safe drinking water for all.
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai also took aim at the state government’s response, questioning Minister Anbarasan’s handling of the situation and accusing him of being dismissive by blaming the residents. Annamalai raised concerns about the alleged overpricing of bleaching powder purchased by the corporation, suggesting that mismanagement contributed to the water contamination crisis.
With IANS inputs