Contaminated water leaves many bedridden

 The supply of contaminated water to residents of Srinivagilu Tank Bed Layout in Koramangala for the last few months has left many people reeling under the effects of water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and gastroenteritis.

Dr P M Mathew, a professor from Christ University and a resident of the layout, who is recovering from an attack of typhoid in December, told Deccan Herald, that water supplied contains vast quantities of pollutants.

“Many residential homes, including my house, received Cauvery water mixed with sewage water, smelling urine and faecal matter.

Though we complained to the local the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) authorities, they did not do much to solve the problem,” he said.

Although, most residents use water filters before consuming potable water, the filter itself broke down twice due to the high levels of contaminants.

Dr Mathew said that they have been receiving contaminated water intermittently, which also pollutes the pipes in their house, including those leading to the underground sump and the overhead tank.   
More than 20 houses in the locality are affected. Kamalamma, another resident said that her grandchildren had fallen sick last month. 

“My grandchildren had a stomach infection and they were frequently vomiting or had dysentery,” she said. Many residents are buying water supplied through tanker by private companies.

As repeated complaints to BWSSB have been ignored, many residents are planning to approach the chairman of the Board.

Local issue

According to the locals, many residents got their sanitary lines directly linked to the storm water drain running adjacent to the water pipelines.

“Sanitary and water lines lie parallel to each other, running on either side of the road. Many residents, while building their houses,  did not make that extra effort to get the road dug to lay sanitary lines. Since the water lines are also old and corroded, it is quite natural for sewage water to percolate into the water lines and contaminate it,” said Mohan Raju, joint secretary of the Koramangala Srinivagilu Tankbed Layout Residents’ Welfare Association.

Problematic repairs

In an attempt to repair the problem, BWSSB crews dug a large trench in the area, near Supriya Stores. According to the store owner, several people and cows have fallen into the trench, forcing the store to use boards to temporarily cover them.

The BWSSB’s Assistant Executive Engineer Ravindra said that he was not aware of the problem since the residents had approached subordinate staff. “I will be visiting the spot personally to check the water and sanitary lines and take necessary action,” he said.