Bengaluru South Faces Water Contamination Issue During Monsoon Season
In recent months, South Bengaluru has been grappling with a concerning rise in diarrhoea cases. According to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s municipal corporation, a significant number of water samples collected from South Bengaluru are deemed unsuitable for drinking. This discovery has raised concerns about the quality of potable water in the area.
During the month of June, the BBMP conducted an analysis of 692 water samples, with a shocking 9 percent, or 59 samples, found to be not suitable for potable purposes (NSPP). Out of these, 31 were from South Bengaluru alone. Dr AS Balasundar, the Chief Health Officer of the BBMP, explained that heightened surveillance is implemented during the monsoon season due to the increased risk of water contamination and related diseases. The samples collected include those from reverse osmosis (RO) water plants, hotels, and public taps, helping to identify potential contaminants. If water is found to be unfit for consumption, it undergoes chlorination and further testing before being considered safe for drinking.
BBMP officials revealed that monthly water testing regularly identifies 2-3 percent of samples as NSPP. However, during the monsoon season, this percentage rises to 10 percent. Hospitals in the area have reported a surge in patients seeking treatment for waterborne illnesses, although obtaining precise data on the matter has proven challenging as many individuals consult private practitioners.
Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, a senior consultant in neonatology and paediatrics at Aster CMI Hospital, shared, We have been witnessing 18-20 cases of diarrhoea per week, mostly caused by the consumption of contaminated water and frequent consumption of food from outside. These cases tend to spike during the monsoon, as heavy rainfall leads to flooding and overflowing drains, which subsequently contaminate groundwater. This contamination results in infections such as typhoid and diarrhoea. Common symptoms of diarrhoea include frequent watery stool, dehydration, bloating, nausea, and stomach pain.
Dr Sheela Murali Chakravarthy, the director of internal medicine at Fortis Hospital, also noted an increase in diarrhoea cases. She highlighted that there has been a growing number of acute gastroenteritis cases, with 10 cases requiring hospital admission on a weekly basis.
To combat the issue, experts strongly advise residents to limit their consumption of food prepared outside, particularly uncooked street food like paani puri. Additionally, tap water should not be used directly for cooking. Instead, it is recommended to consume boiled water or use RO water for cooking purposes.
Water quality during the monsoon season is a pressing concern for South Bengaluru. The local government and health officials must work together to address this issue promptly and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. Improved infrastructure and water treatment measures may be necessary to tackle this ongoing challenge effectively.
In conclusion, the rise in water contamination during the monsoon season in South Bengaluru poses a significant risk to public health. It is vital for residents to take necessary precautions and adhere to the recommended guidelines to prevent waterborne illnesses. By addressing this issue urgently, local authorities can alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities and safeguard the community’s well-being.
