Key Update

Contaminated water made 128 students of Excel Engineering College near Kumarapalayam in Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu fall ill on Tuesday night. The students began vomiting soon after dinner in one of the hostels. The college management provided immediate medical care at the campus clinic, informed parents, and sent the students home once they recovered.

Food Safety Department Steps In

The Food Safety Department inspected the campus on Wednesday and issued 21 directives to strengthen hygiene and food safety practices. Officials sealed the common kitchen and started repairs on the drinking water tanks. Authorities ordered all institutions under the Excel Educational Institution — including engineering, arts and science, pharmacy, naturopathy, and siddha colleges — to remain closed until Sunday. The group educates over 10,000 students, with nearly 4,000 residing in hostels.

Inspection Reveals Poor Hygiene

District Food Safety Officer Dr Thanga Vignesh, along with officers Ranganathan and Loganathan, led the inspection. They found the hostel kitchen poorly maintained and the water tanks extremely dirty. The team instructed the management to clean the tanks immediately and keep the kitchen closed until further notice.

Management Confirms Students’ Recovery

College Chairman A.K. Natesan confirmed that all affected students had recovered and been discharged from the hospital. He said the students would return to classes on Monday.

Source: The Times of India