Haryana’s Palwal Faces Crisis as 12 Die in Fortnight From Suspected Water Contamination

At least 12 people, including five children, have died over the past 15 days in Chayansa village, triggering an intensive health department investigation amid fears of contaminated drinking water and the spread of infectious disease.

Officials said the deaths, reported between late January and mid-February, were associated with severe liver-related complications. Preliminary assessments have pointed toward viral hepatitis and possible water contamination as contributing factors. The first jaundice-linked deaths were reported on January 31 in the village, which has a population of about 5,700 across 865 households, prompting the deployment of a rapid response team the following day.

Seven fatalities occurred between January 27 and February 11, with four attributed to acute hepatitis or liver failure. Victims ranged in age from nine to 65 years. Health workers reported that most patients experienced fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and jaundice before their conditions worsened. Authorities are continuing to review the remaining deaths to determine exact causes.

Also Read: Rama Duwaji Owns New York Fashion Week with Elegant Princess Diana-Inspired Style

According to chief medical officer Satinder Vashisth, large-scale screening and surveillance are underway. Around 1,500 residents, including close contacts of the deceased, have been screened, and nearly 800 outpatient consultations have been conducted. Blood tests of 210 individuals detected two cases of Hepatitis B and nine of Hepatitis C, while samples were negative for Hepatitis A and E. Three patients required hospitalisation and are currently stable.

Water quality checks have strengthened suspicions of contamination. Of 107 household samples collected, 23 failed safety standards due to bacterial contamination and inadequate chlorination. Coliform bacteria were also detected in storage tanks, and chlorine was initially absent in dozens of samples before corrective steps were initiated.

Residents rely on piped supply, underground tanks and water tankers, raising concerns about irregular refilling and poor disinfection practices. Authorities have distributed about 15,000 halogen tablets for purification, arranged reverse osmosis-treated water from nearby areas and set up a helpline to assist residents. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, with continued medical camps and environmental monitoring planned until the situation stabilises.

Also Read: West Bengal Para Teachers Get ₹10,000-₹13,000 Honorarium, Seek Hike in Letter to Pradhan