In a distressing incident at a government school in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district, 13 students were hospitalised after developing severe rashes and other symptoms following the consumption of drinking water from the school premises. The affected students, aged between 10 and 14 years, were rushed to a nearby community health centre on Thursday evening after they complained of itching, redness, and swelling on their skin.
Incident Details
The incident occurred at the Government Upper Primary School in Kherwara area. According to school authorities, the students started experiencing discomfort shortly after drinking water during the afternoon break. Teachers noticed the students scratching their arms and faces, and some had visible red patches. The school administration immediately alerted the local health department and arranged for the students to be taken to the hospital.
Medical Response
Dr. Ramesh Meena, the medical officer at the community health centre, confirmed that all 13 students were admitted and given antihistamines and topical creams. He stated, "The symptoms are consistent with an allergic reaction or a mild waterborne infection. We have sent water samples from the school for testing. The students are stable and responding well to treatment."
Investigation Underway
The district education officer, along with a team from the public health engineering department, visited the school on Friday to inspect the water supply system. Preliminary findings suggest that the water storage tank may have been contaminated due to a crack in the lid, allowing insects or foreign matter to enter. Officials have ordered the school to use alternative drinking water arrangements until the tank is cleaned and disinfected.
Parental Concern
Parents of the affected students expressed anger and concern over the lack of basic amenities at government schools. One parent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "We send our children to school expecting them to be safe. But such incidents show negligence. The authorities must ensure clean drinking water."
Previous Incidents
This is not the first such case in Rajasthan. In March 2025, over 20 students from a different government school in the same district were hospitalised due to food poisoning from the mid-day meal. Activists have repeatedly highlighted the poor condition of water and sanitation facilities in rural schools.
The state education department has issued a notice to all district education officers to conduct immediate inspections of water quality in all government schools. Meanwhile, the Dungarpur district administration has assured strict action against those responsible for the lapse.
