Patiala, July 11 —The diarrhoea outbreak in Alipur Araian locality of Patiala city continues to escalate, with 15 fresh cases reported on Wednesday, raising the total count to 131. Though no new deaths have occurred for the third consecutive day, the disease—linked to contaminated drinking water—has already claimed four lives, including a toddler, two women, and an elderly resident.
A critically ill five-year-old child had to be rushed to hospital by a medical team on Wednesday. The child’s condition is now reported to be stable.
District authorities maintain that the situation is under control. However, their assurances are facing growing public skepticism, especially after municipal tanker-supplied water—intended as a safe alternative—allegedly failed potability tests.
“All suspected contamination points have been sealed,” said Municipal Corporation Commissioner Paramvir Singh. But locals remain unconvinced. “If everything has been sealed, why are more people still falling sick?” questioned a resident.
Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh said that 22 medical teams are working in the affected zones, and 17 water samples have been taken from various locations. “The situation has remained stable since yesterday. We’re awaiting lab results to decide the next steps,” he stated.
Still, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the medical response. Local dispensaries are reportedly overcrowded, with patients forced to share beds in hospital wards.
Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav noted that health and civic teams have been deployed across mapped-out hotspots. “Officials from the Water Supply and Sewerage Board are on the ground implementing preventive measures,” she said.
However, multiple complaints from Omaxe City—a township along Sirhind–Patiala Road housing over 600 families—suggest the crisis may be more widespread than officially acknowledged.
A letter issued by Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate on July 1 confirmed serious contamination in Omaxe City’s water supply. The tests revealed bacterial contamination and elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, hardness, calcium, and fluoride. The letter recommended urgent chlorination, repair of damaged pipelines, and cleaning of overhead tanks.
Renowned economist and Omaxe City resident Kesar Singh Bhangu voiced strong concern: “Over 1,000 people live here, including government officials and professionals. Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken. People are being forced to consume unsafe water and risk their health.”
Adding to the civic distress, residents of Charan Bagh—home to the official residence of Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh—reported that sewage has been overflowing in their neighbourhood for more than 10 days. Despite repeated complaints, no remedial steps have been taken.
Repeated attempts to reach the Executive Engineer (XEN) of Sewerage, Municipal Corporation Patiala, for comment remained unanswered.
As the outbreak spreads and concerns deepen, residents are demanding urgent, transparent action to restore water safety and public health infrastructure before more lives are put at risk.
