The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a report from the Gujarat government within two weeks regarding a rise in typhoid cases in Gandhinagar allegedly caused by contaminated drinking water. The NHRC expressed concerns over potential human rights violations if the media reports are accurate. Following a media report on January 4, the NHRC took suo motu cognisance and issued a notice to Gujarat’s Chief Secretary for a detailed report.
The NHRC expects the report to detail the current health status of typhoid patients, both out-patients and in-patients, and outline measures taken or planned to prevent similar incidents in the future. The State Health Department has confirmed 70 active typhoid cases, mainly clustered in a specific area of Gandhinagar city. The surge in cases has revealed issues in the newly installed water supply system, with seven leakage points identified in the water pipeline network, leading to sewage contamination of the drinking water.
Doctors have confirmed that the typhoid outbreak is water-borne, prompting efforts for early detection and immediate medical care for affected patients, particularly children. A 30-bed paediatric ward has been established at the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to cater to the growing number of typhoid cases, characterized by symptoms like high fever and gastrointestinal problems. This action by the NHRC coincides with its ongoing investigation into deaths associated with contaminated water in Indore.
The NHRC had previously sought a report from the Madhya Pradesh government following media reports of seven deaths and numerous hospitalizations due to contaminated water in Indore district. In response to the media report on water contamination deaths in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore district, the Commission directed the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh to provide a comprehensive report within two weeks.
