A Crisis in Jharkhand: Over 100 Students Fall Ill After Drinking Stored Water
Summer demands extra caution with food and water, as even a small oversight can trigger serious health issues. A troubling incident at a school in Jharkhand has highlighted this danger. According to reports, more than 100 girls living in the hostel of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Garhwa district suddenly fell ill.
The students had consumed water from the school’s overhead storage tank. Shortly after drinking it, many began complaining of stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. The scale of the illness prompted immediate action, with the warden, a teacher, and a cook being removed from their positions for negligence.
The hostel houses approximately 300 students. Local administration officials confirmed that around 100 girls were affected and were rushed to the hospital. Most were discharged after receiving treatment, though a few remained under observation.
Long-Standing Complaints Ignored
The block chief of Kharoundhi alleged that the students had been reporting issues for some time, including poor-quality meals and a lack of clean drinking water. Due to the intense summer heat, water stored in the plastic overhead tank became extremely hot throughout the day. With no alternative, the girls were forced to drink this water.
An initial investigation at the district level revealed significant lapses in the school’s management. The cleanliness of the campus and kitchen was found to be severely lacking. Although a reverse osmosis (RO) system was installed in the hostel, the students were reportedly not permitted to use it. Samples of the food and water have been sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the exact cause of the illness. For now, contaminated or overheated water is believed to be the primary culprit.
Why Is Hot or Contaminated Water Dangerous in Summer?
During the summer, drinking clean water at a normal temperature is considered best for the body. However, when water is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods and becomes excessively hot, it can pose several health risks.
While hot water alone is not inherently harmful, a dangerously high temperature combined with prolonged storage in a tank creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. The real danger often comes from the tank itself, especially when it is not cleaned regularly.
The Hidden Risks of Overhead Tank Water
Drinking water from an overhead tank is generally not considered safe. Without routine cleaning, a poorly sealed lid, or the presence of debris, the water can become a breeding ground for contaminants. If a tank goes months without maintenance, it can accumulate:
- Dust and soil
- Moss and algae
- Insects and small pests
- Bird droppings
- Harmful bacteria
In hot weather, these microorganisms multiply rapidly. Drinking such water without boiling or filtering it significantly increases the risk of infection. Additionally, leaks in the pipeline can allow dirty water to seep into the tank, further contaminating the supply.
Diseases Caused by Contaminated Water
Consuming polluted water can lead to a range of serious illnesses. Common waterborne diseases include:
- Diarrhea (frequent loose stools)
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A and E
These infections can be particularly severe for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea caused by contaminated water can rapidly deplete the body of fluids and essential minerals, leading to dehydration. In severe cases, dehydration can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
