Jaundice outbreak in Howrah’s Ward 49 sparks panic; contaminated water under scrutiny

A severe outbreak of jaundice has left many residents of Ward No. 49, Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) in distress, with several patients admitted to both government and private hospitals in the city. The situation has created panic, especially in the Sealdanga Chasimath area, where locals are pointing to contaminated drinking water as the cause of the health crisis.

Residents have alleged that the municipal water supply is unsafe, often containing dirt and insects, making it unfit for consumption. The fear of infection has forced many people to rely on purchased drinking water, increasing their financial burden. Despite repeated complaints, no immediate action has been taken to address the problem, claim locals.

Chief Administrator of Howrah Municipal Corporation, Sujoy Chakraborty, has responded to the crisis, stating that water supply in Wards 45-50 is managed jointly by HMC and the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). He assured residents that the issue would be thoroughly investigated and necessary steps would be taken to resolve it.

Meanwhile, health officials have been alerted, and water samples from the affected areas have been collected for testing. Doctors have advised residents to avoid drinking tap water and consume only boiled or filtered water until the issue is resolved. Medical teams have also been deployed to monitor the rising cases of jaundice.

This is not the first time Howrah has faced such a crisis. In the past, similar outbreaks have been linked to poor sanitation and water contamination. Experts warn that unless the authorities take immediate corrective measures, the outbreak could spread further, endangering more lives.

The residents of Ward 49 are now demanding swift action from the municipal authorities and KMDA to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water. Until then, the fear of worsening health conditions looms large over the affected areas.