Kolkata Housing Complex Faces Ongoing Water Contamination Crisis
In a distressing turn of events, residents of the Sukhobrishti housing complex in New Town, Kolkata, who had temporarily evacuated their homes due to water contamination, returned on Tuesday only to be met with a fresh advisory warning against consuming the water. This comes after coliform bacteria was detected again in samples tested on Wednesday, despite earlier promises of resolution.
Failed Assurances Lead to Renewed Health Scare
Several families had shifted out temporarily following initial reports of contamination, which had caused over 300 residents to fall ill in the past month. They returned on Tuesday under the belief that the problem had been resolved after reported cleaning of underground reservoirs and overhead tanks. However, on Wednesday afternoon, an announcement was made urging residents to refrain from drinking the water as fresh tests revealed the persistent presence of coliform bacteria.
According to residents, at least 21 children were hospitalized, including an eight-month-old infant who only returned home on Tuesday. Medical tests for the baby detected nine different bacterial infections, highlighting the severe health risks posed by the contaminated water.
Authorities' Response and Resident Outrage
Earlier tests conducted by the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), the township's planning and maintenance authority, had already shown high levels of coliform bacteria in the water supply. Residents were advised not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, or any domestic purposes except flushing toilets. "The water was so contaminated that we were told it could be used only for flushing," said Neha Gupta, a resident of E Block, the worst-affected tower. "My children fell severely ill, so we moved to my in-laws' place for a week. After being told clean water was being supplied again, we returned home on Tuesday. But on Wednesday, the facility management told us the latest tests still showed coliform bacteria, even after complete sanitisation of the underground reservoirs and overhead tanks."
Residents expressed significant anger at what they described as "mismanagement and lack of accountability." Ankit Rai questioned why a fresh advisory was issued only after families began moving back. "How can they play with the lives of so many residents?" said Abdul Karim, who moved out with his family but returned after assurances from the management. "The issue is confined to E Block. Until the exact source of contamination is identified, the authorities should arrange temporary accommodation for affected families in other blocks, where water is safe. They can use that time to detect the breach and fix it properly."
Broader Implications and Ongoing Concerns
The sprawling residential complex has made headlines due to the widespread health impacts, with residents calling for immediate action to address the contamination source. The situation underscores critical issues in public health infrastructure and accountability in urban housing developments.
- Persistent coliform bacteria presence despite sanitization efforts.
- Multiple hospitalizations, particularly among children, raising alarms.
- Residents demand temporary relocation and thorough investigation.
- Authorities urged to enhance transparency and swift remediation measures.
This incident highlights the urgent need for robust water quality monitoring and effective crisis management to prevent such health hazards in residential areas.
