Bengaluru: The death of an eight-year-old boy from an upscale apartment complex on Kanakapura Main Road has sparked alarm among residents, many of whom claim they have been suffering from persistent stomach-related illnesses over the past month. The child, who was admitted to hospital with severe diarrhoea three days earlier, passed away on Thursday, raising fears of water contamination within the community.
Officials dismiss link to contaminated water
Despite mounting concerns, civic officials have denied that the boy’s death was caused by contaminated water. A message circulated to residents on MyGate quoted BBMP Health Officer (Bangalore South) Dr Bala Sundaram, stating that the child’s death was due to existing co-morbidities and not water quality issues.
The message read, “It was clarified that the sad demise of the child was not on account of water contamination, but due to other co-morbidities that the child was going through for some time. BBMP mentioned that they have gone through the details with the doctor who treated the child.”
The boy had reportedly been suffering from chronic nephrotic syndrome for nearly two years. According to a report by The Hindu, his condition deteriorated sharply earlier this week, leading to his admission and subsequent death.
Residents report recurring illnesses
Even as authorities downplay contamination fears, residents insist that the prolonged incidents of diarrhoea and vomiting in the complex cannot be ignored. Several families have reported repeated bouts of stomach-related illness for weeks.
On Thursday morning, a resident collapsed after experiencing severe diarrhoea throughout the previous day and had to be taken to hospital, the report said.
Civic body launches investigation
Ramesh KN, Commissioner of the South City Corporation, said a team has been dispatched to investigate both the child’s death and the recurring health issues within the complex. He added that medical camps had already been organised multiple times over the last month as a precaution.
The apartment association’s secretary said that no contamination issue had been confirmed so far. However, a member of the corporation’s health team revealed that earlier water tests conducted on the apartment’s tank had shown minor contamination, though stool samples collected from affected residents did not conclusively indicate a waterborne infection.
BWSSB takes corrective measures
Officials from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) carried out leakage checks in the area, repaired faulty water lines, and conducted chlorination as part of safety measures.
Civic officials met with representatives from the BWSSB, the apartment association and residents on Thursday to discuss ongoing concerns and to plan further monitoring.
Conclusion
While authorities maintain that the child’s death was unrelated to water contamination, recurring gastrointestinal illnesses among residents have fuelled anxiety in the community. With investigations underway and corrective steps initiated, residents await clear answers on their water safety and long-term preventive measures.