Gandhinagar is grappling with a significant public health crisis as a surge in typhoid cases has been directly linked to contaminated drinking water. The outbreak has exposed critical flaws in the city's recently upgraded water supply infrastructure.
Outbreak Details and Health Response
Health officials have confirmed 70 active cases of typhoid, with residents in Sectors 24, 26, 28, and Adiwada being the most affected. The Gandhinagar Civil Hospital has proactively opened a dedicated 30-bed paediatric ward to manage the influx of children showing symptoms like high fever and gastrointestinal distress.
Doctors report a continuous stream of patients seeking treatment. A senior hospital official stated that the situation is clearly a water-borne outbreak, with early detection and treatment being the top priority. Outpatient checks have been intensified across the city, and authorities assure that there is an adequate supply of necessary medicines.
Engineering Failure and Contamination Source
The crisis is particularly alarming given the substantial Rs 257-crore investment in a modern 24/7 water supply project. Engineering officials now admit a fundamental flaw: new drinking water pipelines were laid dangerously close to existing sewer lines.
A senior official from the Roads and Buildings department explained that when high-pressure water was introduced into the new network, weak points in the pipes developed leaks. At least seven major leaks have been identified so far. A district collectorate officer added that with leakage and a nearby sewer line, contamination was inevitable.
To combat the contamination, engineering teams have immediately begun a process of super-chlorination of the water supply to disinfect it.
Official Actions and Ongoing Challenges
Municipal Commissioner J N Vaghela reported that repair teams are actively plugging the identified leaks. He expressed hope that the outbreak could be contained within a day or two through super-chlorination efforts, noting that teams are in constant touch with affected families. District Collector Mehul Dave mentioned that Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited patients in the hospital to oversee the response.
Authorities have mobilized a large-scale surveillance operation, deploying 40 teams for door-to-door visits. These teams are distributing chlorine tablets and advising residents on crucial precautions:
- Boil all drinking water thoroughly.
- Avoid consuming food from outside sources.
- Maintain strict personal and domestic hygiene.
However, the problem is compounded by systemic issues. Uncoordinated digging by cable companies and other contractors, who often ignore engineering maps, frequently damages pipelines. A Roads and Buildings department official conceded that such "accidental cuts" have previously caused leak situations, highlighting a lack of coordination that undermines infrastructure integrity.
While hospital sources confirm that none of the 70 patients are currently in serious condition, the outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of robust, well-maintained, and safely engineered public water systems.
