Two die after drinking dirty water at Khankot village

In a tragic incident that took place at Khanokot Sardaranwala village near here, two persons died and many others fell sick after consuming contaminated drinking water. Local residents alleged that sewage water is getting mixed with the government-supplied drinking water, leading to the outbreak of water-borne diseases, such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

The deceased were identified as an 82-year-old man and a 42-year-old man. Initial reports indicated three deaths. However, Health Department investigations revealed that the third victim, a woman, died due to a liver-related ailment.

Residents complained that though the issue had been reported to the authorities concerned many times over the past several months, no step was taken in this regard by them.

On receiving the reports of the health issue, a team of the Health Department rushed to the village. Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur personally visited the area to assess the situation. Health officials also collected water samples from multiple homes and began distributing medicines and chlorine tablets to residents.

An official stated that a sewerage pipe had broken in the area, leading to contamination of the drinking water supply. A team of the municipal corporation also visited the village and initiated repair work. Water tankers have been sent to the village to meet the residents’ drinking water needs, the officials added.

The Civil Surgeon said residents have been advised to boil water before drinking until lab results from the water samples are received. People are also advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or dehydration.

She said at present, four residents of the village are undergoing treatment for the same symptoms and their condition is stable.