Decomposed Monkeys Found in Medical College Water Tanks Spark Health Crisis in Nuh
A shocking health scare has erupted at Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College in Nuh, Haryana, after three decomposed monkeys were discovered inside water tanks that supply residential quarters. The incident, termed a "serious lapse" by the administration, has triggered widespread fears of contaminated water consumption and prompted an urgent probe to fix accountability.
Discovery and Immediate Fallout
The grim discovery unfolded after residents of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) blocks 1, 2, and 3 complained of a foul smell in their water on Tuesday, initially dismissing it as routine contamination. However, a formal complaint to the college director led to an inspection, where one decomposed monkey was found inside a tank. During subsequent cleaning operations on Wednesday, two more carcasses were recovered, with officials estimating the animals died four to five days ago. This timeline raises alarming concerns that residents may have unknowingly used contaminated water for drinking, bathing, and cooking during that period, potentially exposing them to health risks.
Systemic Issues and Campus Menace
Staff members have pointed to deep-rooted problems, alleging that water tanks are not cleaned regularly and highlighting a persistent monkey menace on campus. They claim animals frequently damage tank lids, gaining easy access to stored water. The situation is particularly dire in EWS-3, which houses contractual workers, Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam staffers, and some regular employees. While drinking water is largely sourced from designated coolers, many residents depend on tank water for daily use or filter it through personal RO systems, underscoring the vulnerability of the community.
Escalation and Response
The issue escalated rapidly after a video showing monkeys inside a tank circulated on staff WhatsApp groups, prompting urgent complaints to authorities. Under the directions of Director Dr. Mukesh Kumar, immediate action was initiated with the intervention of the estate in-charge and engineers. The tanks were thoroughly cleaned, and instructions were issued to replace damaged units and install strong iron lids with protective mesh to prevent recurrence. Despite these measures, the incident has cast a harsh spotlight on broader sanitation failures within the institution.
Broader Concerns and Political Reactions
This episode has raised significant concerns given that the college is the only government medical college in Nuh district, a region already grappling with limited healthcare infrastructure and historically poor health indicators in the Mewat belt. Established to strengthen public healthcare access in one of Haryana's most underserved districts, the institution caters to local patients and nearby rural populations. In the past, it has faced criticism over infrastructure gaps, staff shortages, and maintenance issues, although state government efforts have been made in recent years to upgrade facilities.
Reacting to the incident, Nuh MLA Aftab Ahmed expressed dismay, stating, "It is very unfortunate that such a thing happened in the drinking water tank of a medical college. For such a huge negligence, strict action must be taken against whoever is responsible." He demanded that the government constitute a high-level committee to investigate the matter, emphasizing the need to probe the lapse, fix accountability, and recommend strict actions alongside concrete measures for public relief. Highlighting the college's historical importance as a flagship project named in honor of Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati, the Congress MLA alleged continuous neglect since 2014, citing persistent shortages of doctors, underutilization of medical equipment, and deteriorating infrastructure.
"I have been raising these concerns for the past six years, including in Vidhan Sabha committee meetings," he added, noting that he immediately spoke with the college director after the incident, who acknowledged the lapse. This underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms alongside the ongoing inquiry, as the incident once again spotlights systemic lapses, raising critical questions about sanitation standards and the safety of staff and patients at a key public health institution.
