The Uttarakhand High Court excoriated government officials on Tuesday over deaths and illnesses caused by contaminated drinking water in villages near Nainital, calling the situation “deeply concerning” and ordering immediate relief measures.
Court Hearing and Observations
The division bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Siddhartha Sah, hearing a public interest petition, said villagers would not have faced this crisis had sewer and drinking water pipelines been repaired on time. At least three people died from contaminated water, and several households fell ill across multiple villages including Jeolikote, Ganja, Veerbhatti, Chheena, Beluvakhan, and Sariyatal.
“Such a situation in the 21st century is deeply concerning,” the court observed.
Relief Measures Ordered
The bench ordered district officials to personally monitor relief efforts, arrange clean water supply through tankers, and set up a helpline to address sewer leakage. It directed that specialist doctors be brought in from outside government hospitals if needed.
The secretary of Peyjal Nigam, the government department responsible for water supply, was told to fast-track approval for a proposed water testing laboratory for the Kumaon region. A pollution control board officer must collect samples from 20 to 25 water sources in and around Nainital and submit a report within six days.
Officials’ Appearance and Statements
During the hearing, Nainital District Magistrate L.M. Rayal, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rashmi Pant, and senior officials from Jal Sansthan and Jal Nigam appeared before the court. CMO Pant said illnesses stemmed from water contamination and that a team of eight doctors, an ambulance, and medical staff had been dispatched to the affected villages.
Officials from the administration and water department acknowledged that sewage water mixed with the drinking water source near an old garbage dump. The court held them directly responsible.
“The disease spread due to their negligence. The responsibility for treatment and the entire management of the situation would also rest with them,” the bench said.
Funding and Medical Testing
The DM released Rs 4 lakh to cover ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and other tests for patients at private laboratories, with more funding available if required. Dozens of patients presented liver ailment reports and demanded free medical treatment and compensation.
Community Response
Residents, including students, protested at Jeolikote’s main marketplace against what they called institutional negligence. Local youth leader Kartikeya Chopra said villagers had raised health warnings since June and July but the administration responded only after deaths occurred. Other villagers echoed his concerns.
Health Department Response
The health department intensified surveillance and preventive measures. CMO Pant directed all private hospitals in the district to submit daily reports of water-borne illness admissions. Health teams surveyed 114 households in Jeolikote, distributed ORS packets and chlorine tablets, conducted screenings, and advised symptomatic residents to seek treatment. A local doctor urged anyone showing symptoms to seek specialist care without delay.