A severe jaundice outbreak has gripped the Dholabhata area of Ajmer, primarily affecting children and triggering widespread health concerns. The alarming situation prompted Youth Congress activists to stage protests on Tuesday, holding the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) responsible for supplying contaminated drinking water to residents.
Health Survey Reveals Shocking Numbers
A recent health survey conducted in the affected area uncovered disturbing findings that highlight the severity of the crisis. The survey revealed that nine out of ten children tested were suffering from hepatitis, indicating an overwhelming infection rate among the youngest residents. Water quality tests further confirmed the source of the problem, with three out of nine water samples failing quality standards.
This is not the first time such complaints have emerged in the region. Similar concerns about water contamination had previously surfaced in neighboring areas including Shastri Nagar and Jhons Ganj, suggesting a broader infrastructure issue affecting multiple communities in Ajmer.
Political Response and Official Admissions
Youth Congress president Mohit Malhotra led the protests and made serious allegations against the water supply system. He explicitly accused authorities of supplying "drainage-mixed water" to residents and demanded immediate corrective action from the administration.
In a significant admission, PHED officials acknowledged the infrastructure problems contributing to the contamination. They confirmed that water pipelines run dangerously close to drainage systems, creating conditions where leaks can lead to direct contamination of drinking water. The proximity of these systems has been identified as a primary cause of the current health emergency.
Immediate Actions and Investigations
In response to the growing crisis and public pressure, PHED has initiated emergency measures. Department engineers have been directed to conduct imprehensive inspections of all water pipelines in the affected areas. Officials have set a strict deadline, demanding that inspection reports be submitted within 24 hours to expedite corrective actions.
The situation in Dholabhata represents a significant public health failure that has put children's health at serious risk. As investigations continue and repair work begins, residents await concrete solutions to ensure their access to safe, clean drinking water and prevent future outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
