The safety of drinking water in Ranchi has become a critical public health issue following alarming revelations about the city's water supply infrastructure. Exposed and poorly maintained pipelines are running directly through open drains and garbage-laden lanes across multiple neighborhoods, raising the specter of severe contamination and water-borne diseases.
Pipelines Submerged in Sewage and Waste
In a shocking state of neglect, water supply lines in several areas of the state capital, including Kantatoli, Purulia Road, Kokar, Lalpur, and Tharpakna, are visibly snaking through clogged drains. These essential pipes are often submerged in stagnant wastewater, which is mixed with municipal garbage, plastic waste, and in some instances, even animal carcasses.
The situation has triggered widespread panic among residents, particularly in the wake of the recent tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, where at least 10 people reportedly died after consuming contaminated water. The Indore incident has left Ranchi's citizens fearing a similar catastrophe could strike here if urgent corrective measures are not implemented.
Residents Voice Anger and Fear
City dwellers allege that during rains or due to drain blockages, the overflowing contaminated water seeps into the pipelines through leaks. Many, who cannot afford packaged drinking water, are forced to consume this potentially hazardous supply.
Mohammad Shamshad, a resident of Maulana Azad Colony in Kantatoli, expressed the community's frustration: "Whenever there is a supply cut, dirty water enters the pipes. When the supply resumes, the water initially smells foul and looks muddy. There must be leakages allowing sewage to sip in. If we fall ill after consuming this dirty water, who will take the responsibility?"
Echoing similar complaints, a Purulia Road resident stated, "For the past few months, we have been getting blackish and foul-smelling water. Afraid of diseases, most families who can afford it have stopped using the municipal water for drinking altogether."
This has led to a surge in reliance on bottled water and home water purifiers, an expensive solution that is out of reach for many.
Health Experts Issue Grave Warnings
Medical professionals have sounded the alarm on the dire health implications. Dr. Rashmi Sinha, associate professor at the medicine department of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, explained the severe risks.
"When drinking water pipelines run parallel to or through open drains, even a minor leakage can allow pathogens to enter the system," Dr. Sinha warned. "Consumption of such contaminated water can severely affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, jaundice, and cholera. In severe cases, it can even result in kidney failure."
Faced with mounting public concern, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation has responded. Additional Administrator Sanjay Kumar stated that the corporation will look into the matter and try to resolve the issues. However, residents await concrete, swift action to replace the compromised infrastructure and ensure the delivery of safe, potable water to every household.
