Water Contamination Sparks Health Crisis in Gandhinagar; NHRC Takes Suo Motu Action.
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi,8, January, 2026-Taking Suo motu cognizance of a reported surge in typhoid cases allegedly caused by contaminated drinking water in Gandhinagar city of Gujarat, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has issued a notice to the State Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The contamination is reportedly linked to multiple leaks in a newly laid water pipeline network, allowing sewage to mix with the drinking water supply.
The Commission has directed that the report includes the current health status of affected patients and the remedial measures taken or proposed to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The State Health Department has officially confirmed seventy active cases of Typhoid, concentrated within a specific locality of the city.
The reported outbreak prima facie reveals grave deficiencies in the recently commissioned water supply system in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
It has further come to light that seven distinct leakage points have been detected in the pipeline network, resulting in the pernicious mixing of sewage with potable water, thereby endangering public health and safety.”
The Commission notes that the news report’s contents, if accurate, highlight grave human rights violations against the victims. It has therefore issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, requiring a detailed report within two weeks.
This report must cover the current health status of both outdoor and indoor typhoid patients, along with measures taken or planned to prevent recurrence.
As per the media report dated 4th January 2026, medical practitioners have confirmed the outbreak as water-borne in nature.
They are undertaking measures for early detection and expedited priority treatment of affected patients.
It is further reported that a 30-bed Pediatric Ward has been established at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to accommodate the rising influx of typhoid cases, predominantly among children. Patients are presenting with high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.
