Naidunia Correspondent, Piploda: More than 80 people reportedly fell ill after allegedly consuming contaminated well water in Azampur Dodiya village under Ayana Gram Panchayat in Ratlam district's Piploda tehsil, Madhya Pradesh. The incident triggered a swift response from the health department, district administration and the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. Authorities have launched an investigation, while the suspected well has been sealed as a precaution.

21 Villagers Hospitalised

Out of the affected villagers, 21 people with serious symptoms were admitted to Piploda Civil Hospital. The admitted patients include nine men and 12 women. The remaining affected villagers were treated at a temporary medical camp set up in the village. According to villagers, several residents had been suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain for the past three days.

Water Samples Sent For Testing

After receiving information, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr Pawan Patidar immediately sent a 108 ambulance to the village. A medical team also reached the spot and started treatment by setting up a health camp. Following the incident, the PHE Department collected water samples from the suspected well and sent them for laboratory testing.

The health department's epidemiology team also examined the affected villagers. Officials said the exact cause of the illness will be confirmed only after the test reports are received.

ALSO READ: Is Your RO Water Really Safe? Indore's Shishukunj School Incident Flags Hidden Bacteria Risks

Well Sealed, Tankers Supplying Drinking Water

As a precautionary measure, the district administration has sealed the suspected well. Drinking water is being supplied to the village through tankers to ensure residents have access to safe water. The PHE Department said the well will be reopened for use only after chlorination is completed and the water test reports confirm that it is safe for drinking.

According to villagers, there are two government wells in the village. Most residents depend on one of them because its water is considered drinkable. They said the water supplied under the tap water scheme is not preferred due to its taste and irregular supply, prompting many villagers to rely on well water instead.

Well Cleaned Two Days Before Incident

Village Secretary Prakashchand Sharma said the PHE Department had tested the well about a month ago and declared the water fit for drinking. He added that the well is cleaned regularly, although water levels have reduced due to the summer season. Sarpanch Samrath added that the well had been emptied using a motor pump and its silt was removed just two days before the incident.

Officials Monitor Situation

Meanwhile, Piploda Tehsildar Preeti Sathe visited the Civil Hospital to check on the condition of the admitted patients. Health officials have advised villagers to boil drinking water and maintain proper hygiene until the investigation is complete. Dr Gaurav Boriwal, Epidemiologist, said, "Villagers have been advised to boil drinking water before using. Water samples have been sent for testing. At present, the situation is completely under control and all affected persons are receiving treatment."

ALSO READ: MP Water Crisis: 1,480 Villages Battle Fluorosis As Safe Water Schemes Fail; Children Worst Affected