New Delhi: In a shocking incident, faecal bacterial contamination in drinking water was discovered in the lab analysis of samples collected during weekly testing at AIIMS at two locations: the National Centre for Ageing Block and the boys’ hostel.
The analysis confirmed the presence of bacteria originating from human or animal excreta in the drinking water, which was being consumed by over 100 students. Sources indicated that such contamination was unprecedented in the previous 10 years.
Between March 17 and 22, water samples were collected across various AIIMS facilities, including east and west campuses, IRCH, animal house, CDER, MCH block, surgery block, RP centre, ladies’ hostel, ward block, teaching block, and hostel number 4 (boys’ hostel) ground floor central RO and first floor, along with 1st and 2nd floors of central RO of NC ageing block.
The department of microbiology issued a report on March 24 showing contamination with faecal bacteria in the 1st and 2nd floor central RO of NC ageing block and ground floor central RO of boys’ hostel number 4. However, the first floor of the boys’ hostel tested negative for contamination.
The central RO unit on the ground floor of the boys’ hostel, found to be contaminated, provides drinking water to more than 100 MBBS students residing in hostels 4 and 5. Twenty students live on the ground floor of hostel number 4. Multiple students complained of diarrhoea but recovered following antibiotic treatment. According to sources, students recently experienced a “bitter taste in the water”.
According to AIIMS experts, faecal contamination can lead to health problems including diarrhoea, vomiting, and dysentery. Possible causes include damaged pipelines, water tanks accessible to monkeys, and contaminated water supply from Delhi Jal Board.
Rima Dada, media division incharge at AIIMS, confirmed that the engineering department finished cleaning the underground water tank and restored the water supply. She mentioned that while the sewer lines were found to be in proper working order, they nonetheless utilised a jetting machine for thorough cleaning. Additionally, the sewer lines at the rear of F and E-type quarters were inspected, with three flats showing satisfactory results. Following the cleaning operation, fresh samples were dispatched to the microbiology department for further testing.
