Patiala diarrhoea outbreak worsens; cases climb to 131
The diarrhoea outbreak in the Alipur Araian locality of Patiala city continues unabated, with 15 fresh cases reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 131. Although no new deaths have occurred for the third consecutive day, the disease, attributed to contaminated water, has already claimed four lives, including a toddler, two women and an elderly resident.
A critically ill five-year-old child was rushed to hospital by a medical team on Wednesday. His condition is now reported to be stable.
Despite the steady rise in cases, district authorities continue to assert that the situation remains under control.
However, this assurance has come under question, especially after the water supplied by municipal tankers, meant to provide safe drinking water, reportedly failed potability tests.
Municipal Corporation Commissioner Paramvir Singh stated that all suspected sources of water contamination had been sealed. Yet, local residents remain unconvinced. “If all the contamination points have been sealed, why are people still falling sick?” asked one resident.
Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh said that 22 medical teams have been deployed in the area and 17 water samples have been collected from various locations.
“The situation has remained stable since yesterday. We are awaiting test results to determine the next course of action,” he added.
Nevertheless, residents criticised the Health Department’s response, saying the local dispensary is in a deplorable state, with patients being made to share beds in hospital wards.
Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav stated, “We have mapped the affected locations and deployed health and civic teams at hotspots across the district. Officials from the Water Supply and Sewerage Board are on the ground to implement preventive measures.”
However, the inaction regarding contamination complaints from Omaxe City has cast doubt on these claims.
Residents of Omaxe City, a residential township along the Sirhind–Patiala Road housing over 600 families, have also reported issues with contaminated water.
A letter issued by Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate on July 1 confirmed that water samples from Omaxe City failed quality tests. The report cited bacterial contamination, elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, hardness, calcium and fluoride. The letter urged urgent chlorination, repair of damaged pipelines and cleaning of overhead tanks.
Renowned economist and resident Kesar Singh Bhangu voiced serious concern. “Over 1,000 people, including government officials, employees and businessmen, reside in the area. We have raised this issue repeatedly, but no action has been taken. People are forced to consume unsafe water and risk their health,” he said.
Sewage overflow near Health Minister’s residence
Residents of Charan Bagh, which includes the official residence of Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, have reported overflowing sewage in the area. They allege that their complaints have been ignored for over 10 days.
Repeated attempts to contact the Executive Engineer (XEN) of Sewerage, Municipal Corporation Patiala, were unsuccessful.
Patiala