Tragedy Strikes Chennai as Three Lose Lives from Contaminated Water
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Chennai, Dec 5 (NationPress) In a tragic event, three individuals lost their lives while 30 others became ill in Pallavaram, a locality close to Chennai, on Thursday after allegedly consuming drinking water tainted with sewage.
The individuals affected hailed from areas including Malaimedu, Mariamman Kovil Street, and Muthalamman Kovil Street, and were promptly admitted to Chromepet Government General Hospital as well as a private medical facility for immediate treatment.
Reports indicate that residents have claimed their health complications stemmed from drinking water that was mixed with sewage.
This contamination has sparked significant concerns regarding the safety of the water supply in the region. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain whether the drinking water was truly contaminated.
Authorities from the police department, Tambaram Corporation, and Pallavaram Cantonment are actively looking into the situation.
Tamil Nadu Minister T.M. Anbarasan visited the affected locality and has mandated the swift establishment of a medical camp.
While addressing the media, the Minister remarked, “Twenty-three individuals have reported illness and have been hospitalized. The status of the drinking water contamination remains uncertain. An investigation is also examining whether the food consumed could have contributed to the health issues. Should the water indeed be contaminated, it would have implications for the entire region.”
Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), expressed his dismay over the fatalities and hospitalizations. He criticized the ruling DMK government for its inability to ensure access to safe drinking water.
In a post on the social media platform X, EPS mentioned: “It is the government’s responsibility to provide safe drinking water to the populace. They should have thoroughly checked for any potential contamination between drinking water and sewage lines, particularly following the cyclone’s landfall.”
Furthermore, he condemned the government’s negligence, stating, “I vehemently denounce M.K. Stalin’s administration for its indifference that jeopardized the safety of the people.”
EPS urged the government to ensure substantial medical support for those hospitalized and to offer financial aid to the families of the deceased.
He also called for prompt actions to secure the supply of safe drinking water for all residents.
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai also criticized the state government’s response to the crisis. He questioned the effectiveness of Minister Anbarasan's actions and accused him of being dismissive by blaming the residents for the situation.
Annamalai raised alarm over the alleged excessive pricing of bleaching powder purchased by the corporation, hinting at potential mismanagement in tackling the water contamination issue.
