Bengaluru: A mysterious illness has struck more than 500 residents of Brigade Meadows Plumeria, a high-end apartment complex in Bengaluru, leaving families in distress. Among the affected are vulnerable groups like young children and senior citizens, with symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps being widely reported. The incident has raised serious concerns about water safety in the complex.
Cause Under Investigation: Water Contamination Suspected
The apartment complex relies on its own borewell for water, which has come under scrutiny following the outbreak. While local doctors have identified the illness as gastroenteritis, the exact cause remains unclear. Residents are particularly worried about the possibility of contaminated water, as conflicting results have emerged from water quality tests conducted by different laboratories.
One government laboratory found E. coli contamination in a water tank that supplies a specific block of the apartment. This tank was promptly isolated from the water supply, and authorities undertook thorough cleaning to address the issue. Tests conducted on five other tanks, however, indicated the water was safe for consumption.
Authorities Step In
As investigations continue, the water supply from the affected tank has been suspended, and health officials are monitoring the situation closely. Authorities have urged residents to use alternate sources of drinking water until the issue is fully resolved.
State Government’s Response: Strict Warnings on Water Quality
This incident has put the spotlight on water safety in Bengaluru, a concern that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed earlier this year. In a strongly worded directive, he warned officials to maintain strict standards for potable water and assured accountability for any lapses.
In a letter sent to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palika (BBMP) Commissioner, Bengaluru Zilla Panchayat CEO, and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) Chairman, Shivakumar emphasized that water-borne diseases resulting from contamination would not be tolerated.
“All officials concerned must ensure quality potable water to the people of Bengaluru. Officials will be held responsible for any action in case of water-borne diseases,” said Shivakumar.
Proactive Measures Mandated
The Deputy CM further instructed officials to regularly inspect all drinking water facilities to ensure their hygienic operation. He also called for frequent testing to identify and address potential contamination early.
“There have been reports of water-borne diseases from various parts of Karnataka. Officials must inspect drinking water units and conduct regular tests for contamination to avoid such incidents,” Shivakumar stated in his letter.
Residents Seek Accountability
The affected residents of Brigade Meadows Plumeria are now demanding accountability and permanent measures to ensure water safety in the future. Many have expressed concerns over the inconsistency in water test results and are seeking assurances from authorities.
The Bigger Picture
Water contamination is an increasingly common issue in urban areas, particularly in large residential complexes dependent on independent water sources. This incident highlights the urgent need for regular maintenance and testing of water systems to prevent such outbreaks.
As investigations continue, residents hope for a swift resolution and a commitment to improved water safety standards. For now, they remain cautious, prioritizing bottled or boiled water to safeguard their health.