Shukhobrishti families return to be told water still contains coliform

Kolkata: Following promises of clean drinking water, several residents of Sukhobrishti housing complex in New Town, who had temporarily left their homes after coliform was found in the water from the tanks, returned to the complex on Tuesday, only to find the authorities urging them not to consume the water as coliform bacteria was still found in the sample tested on Wednesday.Several families had temporarily shifted out following the contamination scare. They had returned on Tuesday, believing the problem was over after reported cleaning of underground reservoirs and overhead tanks. But on Wednesday afternoon, an announcement was made, asking residents to refrain from drinking the water as fresh test revealed the presence of coliform bacteria.
The sprawling residential complex made headlines after more than 300 residents fell ill over the past month, reportedly owing to water contamination. According to residents, at least 21 children had to hospitalised, including an eight-month-old infant, who could return home only on Tuesday. The baby's medical tests detected nine different bacterial infections.Earlier tests conducted by NKDA, the township's planning and maintenance authority, revealed high levels of coliform bacteria in the water supply. Residents were advised not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing or any domestic purpose except flushing toilets."The water was so contaminated that we were told it could be used only for flushing," said Neha Gupta, a resident of E Block, the worst-affected tower. "My children fell severely ill, so we moved to my in-laws' place for a week. After being told clean water was being supplied again, we returned home on Tuesday. But on Wednesday, the facility management told us the latest tests still showed coliform bacteria, even after complete sanitisation of the underground reservoirs and overhead tanks."Residents expressed anger at what they described as "mismanagement and lack of accountability". Ankit Rai questioned why a fresh advisory was issued only after families began moving back. "How can they play with the lives of so many residents?" said Abdul Karim, who moved out with his family but returned after assurances from the management. "The issue is confined to E Block. Until the exact source of contamination is identified, the authorities should arrange temporary accommodation for affected families in other blocks, where water is safe. They can use that time to detect the breach and fix it properly."