A significant public health crisis has emerged in Gujarat's capital, with over a hundred suspected typhoid cases reported in specific areas of Gandhinagar. The outbreak has been directly linked to leakages in the municipal water supply pipeline, prompting urgent intervention from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Minister Amit Shah's Directives for Crisis Management
In response to the escalating situation, Amit Shah, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Gandhinagar, has issued directives to handle the outbreak on a war footing. Shah has ordered the immediate repair of all identified leakages in the water pipeline network to prevent the further spread of the disease. He has also mandated an intense inspection of pipelines in the surrounding areas.
Shah has been in constant touch with key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, District Collector Mehul Dave, and Gandhinagar Municipal Commissioner J N Vaghela. His instructions include ensuring speedy and precise treatment for all affected citizens, especially children, by expert doctors. Furthermore, he has directed authorities to arrange food facilities for patients' relatives at the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital.
Current Status of the Outbreak and Health Response
According to the official release, 113 suspected cases of typhoid have been detected in the state capital so far. The affected areas include Sector 24, Sector 28, and Adiwada. Of the total cases, 19 patients have been discharged after receiving treatment, while 94 are currently hospitalized. These patients are being treated at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital and health centres in Sectors 24 and 29, with their condition reported as stable.
A robust health response is underway. A 24x7 OPD service has been started in the affected zones. A total of 75 dedicated health teams have conducted door-to-door surveys in the outbreak areas of Sector 24, 26, 28, and Adiwada. These teams have covered an impressive more than 20,800 households, screening a population of over 90,000 people.
Preventive Measures and Civic Actions
Authorities are taking extensive preventive measures to control the outbreak. As a preemptive step, they have distributed 30,000 chlorine tablets and 20,600 ORS packets to residents. The process of super chlorination of the water supply has been expedited, with close monitoring of chlorine levels.
Public awareness is a key focus. Survey teams are distributing pamphlets advising people to drink only boiled water, avoid outside food, and maintain hand hygiene. On the civic front, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has begun an intense inspection of food units selling items like panipuri, ragda patis, ice gola, shikanji, and milk products. The corporation has assured that any pipeline leakage found is being repaired immediately.
The situation remains under close watch as state and local authorities work to contain the typhoid surge and address its root cause in the water infrastructure.
