The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has identified contaminated water in several parts of the city, raising public health concerns. This proactive testing drive was initiated following the recent typhoid outbreak in neighbouring Gandhinagar.
Extensive Sampling Reveals Localised Contamination
On Wednesday, the civic body's health and water supply departments collected a total of 2,343 water samples from across Vadodara. A detailed breakdown shows that health workers gathered 1,485 samples, while the water supply department collected another 858.
Laboratory analysis revealed that nine of these samples were unsafe for consumption. The contamination was not city-wide but confined to specific localities. The affected areas were in the North Zone, namely Navayard and Fatehgunj, and Tarsali in the South Zone. Importantly, all samples tested from the East and West Zones were found to be safe.
Massive Door-to-Door Surveillance and Food Drive
Parallel to the water testing, health officials undertook a massive surveillance effort. They visited 35,127 households, covering a population of more than 1.54 lakh people, to check for health issues and spread awareness.
In a related crackdown on food safety, officers inspected eateries in Manjalpur, Makapura, and Karelibaug. The inspections led to notices being issued to four street food vendors for maintaining unhygienic conditions. Furthermore, officials found that seven street vendors and one shop were operating without valid food licences.
Unsafe Food Items Destroyed
The enforcement action also involved the immediate disposal of adulterated food items to prevent public consumption. Officials confiscated and destroyed 17 kilograms of artificially coloured rice and 70 litres of spiced water used in preparing pani-puris.
The VMC's coordinated action highlights its focus on preventive healthcare. By testing water and inspecting food outlets, the corporation aims to curb the spread of waterborne and foodborne diseases in the wake of the typhoid alert.
