55 taken ill with diarrhoea-like symptoms in Zirakpur village

At least 55 residents of Nabha village in Zirakpur have complained of upset stomach, dysentery and diarrhoea-like conditions for the past one week. Two patients were hospitalised yesterday after their condition worsened.

Residents complained that drinking water supply is contaminated for many days and emitting a foul smell. “For the past two months, digging work is going on to lay pipes in the village due to which leakage and contamination have taken place,” said residents.

Health Department officials have set up a temporary one-room medical centre with five beds where patients are being observed for the past two days. Health teams surveyed the village and took samples from various sources to test them for contamination.

Some village residents claimed that two persons died in the village recently, but diarrhoea was not confirmed as the cause of death.

Residents alleged that despite informing Zirakpur Municipal Council officials, no action has been taken so far. “It is only after a great delay they started plugging the leakage. Their response is lamentable. Today, when the disease has spread they are digging the pit to check leakage,” they said.

Zirakpur Municipal Council Executive Officer Parvinder Bhatti remained unavailable for a comment.

Residents demanded that the supply of drinking water be checked for contamination, adding that potable water supply should be ensured in the village.