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Wardha Schools Face Water Contamination Crisis, 78 Schools Affected

Wardha Schools Face Water Contamination Crisis, 78 Schools Affected

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Water analysis tests across Wardha district in Maharashtra have confirmed that the drinking water in 78 schools is contaminated with coliform bacteria, making it unsafe for consumption. This raises significant health concerns, with laboratory analysis verifying the contamination in samples collected from these schools.

Lack of Proper Maintenance in School Water Tanks

Schools typically store drinking and general-use water in tanks on their premises. HoweZilla Parishad School ver, inspections revealed a lack of consistent cleaning and maintenance of these tanks. In December 2024, students at the Zilla Parishad School in Wagholi, Hinganghat tehsil, suffered from food poisoning. Investigations traced the contamination to water, with samples from four different sources at the school testing positive for coliform and thermotolerant bacteria. Following the food poisoning incident in Wagholi, authorities inspected the school and found that the water tank had been cleaned just hours before their visit. This suggested an attempt to conceal negligence and avoid scrutiny.

Action Taken by Authorities to Address the Issue

In response to the alarming situation, education authorities instructed schools to regularly submit water samples for analysis. “From December 1, 2024, to January 21, 2025, our laboratory collected samples from 554 schools for examination,” said Arvind Panchabhai, chief microbiologist at the District Health Laboratory in Wardha. “We found 78 schools with contaminated water, identified with coliform bacteria.”

Urgent Measures Needed to Ensure Student Safety

The contamination in these 78 schools mirrors the situation at Wagholi’s ZP school, prompting calls for immediate action. Both district authorities and the education department must take urgent steps to ensure the safety of students and prevent further incidents. These findings highlight the urgent need for the district administration to enforce strict hygiene protocols in schools. Regular maintenance and cleaning of water tanks must become a priority to safeguard students’ health and prevent future outbreaks.

Source: The Times of India 

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