Sewage in water: Sushilpura residents still reel from shock

Jaipur: Residents of Sushilpura in the Civil Lines constituency are still living in fear days after sewage-contaminated drinking water left many unwell. The issue began last Tuesday when sewage mixed with water was supplied, leading to widespread complaints of vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Following this, MLA Gopal Sharma visited the area and directed officials to fix the sewer and damaged pipelines at the earliest.Within a week, the sewer line and water pipelines were repaired, and supply to homes resumed. On Saturday, PHED officials conducted door-to-door water testing and assured residents that the water is now safe for drinking. Road repair work also began on Monday. However, the distress faced by residents during the past week has left a lasting impact.Surendra Chauhan, who runs an electrical shop in the locality, said, "I suffered vomiting, diarrhoea and severe stomach pain for four to five days. The water supply may have resumed, but the fear remains. I am still buying water cans for my family. We will only use this water for bathing, not drinking".Santosh Yadav shared a similar concern, saying, "Water has come back, but our health has not fully recovered. My son had his BA exams, but he became so weak due to illness that he had to miss his papers."Mangidevi, who lives with her granddaughters and tenants, pointed at the stored water and said, "Tankers are still coming, but there is no fixed time. The pipeline water still appears yellow and smells. How can we drink it?" She added, "Water cans that once cost Rs 20 are now being sold for Rs 50. People are taking advantage of our situation."Her tenant, Mohammad Gufran, said, "Officials told us the water is safe, but after what we went through, it is hard to trust it again. Even now, the water does not look clean. It feels like the pipeline was fixed in a hurry without proper cleaning."Raising further concerns, Amit Verma said, "If the water is truly safe, why are tankers still being supplied? My mother is still unwell, and I have only just managed to return to work. No matter what officials say, we feel the problem is not fully resolved."While authorities claim the situation is under control, for residents of Sushilpura, the experience has left behind fear and uncertainty that will take time to fade.