Samples of water collected from Chilkalguda Railway Quarters for testing at the State’s Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) have been found unfit for consumption.
The samples, about eight in number, were collected on July 5 when water contamination in the area came to light following hospitalization of large number of people. Samples comprise both water supplied to South Central Railway by Hyderabad Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), and what SCR supplies its consumers after chlorinating it in its storage and distribution system.
IPM regularly tests water samples sent by government institutions, both from the State and the Centre. Water is tested to determine if its physical, chemical and bacterial parameters make it fit for consumption.
Though both IPM and SCR remained mum when asked about details of lab investigation, unofficially, sources confided that samples were found unfit for consumption. SCR officials shared the blame with HMWSSB, stating that the latter’s water also failed the chlorine test. HMWSSB on the other hand, has absolved itself of blame maintaining that its water meets quality standards.
SCR drew flak last week when about hundred people, all residents of Chilkalguda Railway Quarters, experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal infection including vomiting and diarrhoea attributed to contamination of water. As an immediate measure, the reservoir supplying to the quarters was emptied and supplied with treated water.
While railway sources could not reveal where the contaminated samples were precisely collected in the supply chain, it was learnt that SCR has begun replacing a pipeline supplying water from Bhoiguda reservoir to the quarters’ storage as a “precautionary” measure. It has also assured of action against erring individuals after the conclusion of the enquiry.
Around 10 patients who were hospitalised at SCR’s Lallaguda Railway Hospital more than a week ago, are yet to recover while eight others are recovering in private hospitals.
Those who remain hospitalised are among the worst affected and had to undergo dialysis as acute gastrointestinal infection they contracted on consuming contaminated water damaged the kidneys.
