After Indore deaths, Ranchi fears water crisis amid exposed pipelines

Ranchi: Exposed and poorly maintained water pipelines snaking through open drains and garbage-strewn lanes in several locations of the state capital have once again brought the issue of drinking water safety into sharp focus.In many neighbourhoods across Ranchi city, including Kantatoli, Purulia Road, Kokar, Lalpur, and Tharpakna, water supply lines are seen running through clogged drains, often submerged in stagnant wastewater mixed with garbage, plastic waste and, in some instances, animal carcasses. The situation has triggered widespread concern, especially in the wake of the recent tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, where at least 10 people reportedly lost their lives after consuming contaminated water.The incident has left Ranchi residents fearing that a similar catastrophe could unfold here if urgent corrective measures are not taken.City residents allege that with drains frequently overflowing during rains or due to blockages, contaminated water is believed to be seeping into the pipelines through leakages. Many residents are left to consume the contaminated water, unable to purchase packaged drinking water.“Whenever there is a supply cut, dirty water enters the pipes. When the supply resumes, the water initially smells foul and looks muddy. There must be leakages in the pipes allowing sewage water to sip in. If we fall ill after consuming this kind of dirty water, who will take the responsibility?” said Mohammad Shamshad, a resident of Maulana Azad Colony at Kantatoli area.Similar complaints have been echoed by residents of other areas as well, many of whom now rely on bottled water or installed water purifiers at their homes to ensure the consumption of safe water.A resident of Purulia Road said, “For the past few months, we have been getting blackish and foul-smelling water through the pipelines. Afraid of encountering diseases, the majority of the families in the area, who can afford packaged water, have stopped using the supply water for drinking altogether.”Health experts warn that such conditions create an ideal environment for the spread of water-borne diseases, including diarrhoea, typhoid, jaundice and cholera. “When drinking water pipelines run parallel to or through open drains, even a minor leakage can allow pathogens to enter the system. Consumption of contaminated water can severely affect the gastrointestinal system, sometimes even leading to kidney failure,” Dr Rashmi Sinha, associate professor at the medicine department of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.Ranchi Municipal Corporation, additional administrator Sanjay Kumar, said that the corporation will look into the matter and try to resolve the issues.