At least two residents died, and over 30 were hospitalized in Tambaram, allegedly due to a severe health crisis stemming from contaminated water, possibly mixed with sewage.
Residents of Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Mariamman Kovil Street, and Nagaratnam Street in Tambaram Corporation have been struck by a severe health crisis, with many experiencing vomiting, fainting, and diarrhea. Over 30 individuals have been hospitalized at Chromepet Government Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, and private medical facilities. Tragically, a 54-year-old man named Thiruvedi succumbed to the illness before receiving treatment, while another victim, Mohanraj, passed away after being discharged from the hospital.
Residents allege that the issue arose from sewage mixing with the water supplied by the corporation. Complaints about poor water quality had been made for days prior to the incident, but no action was taken. Locals have reported multiple cases in their households, with entire families affected. The crisis has created widespread panic in Pallavaram. Minister Tha Mo Anbarasan, Pallavaram MLA Karunanidhi, and Municipal Commissioner Balachander visited the Chromepet Government Hospital to console the victims. However, Minister Anbarasan suggested that the cause of the illness might be contaminated food, not water. He argued that if sewage had mixed with drinking water, a far larger number of people—potentially 300–400—would have been affected.
Despite these claims, affected residents remain unconvinced, pointing to visible contamination in the water. They allege that the corporation failed to respond to earlier complaints and only took action after fatalities occurred. Chlorination efforts were reportedly initiated post-incident, raising questions about the government’s preparedness and response.
The Tamil Nadu government has launched an investigation into the matter. Officials are examining whether the outbreak was caused by water contamination, food poisoning, or both. Meanwhile, locals continue to demand accountability and immediate measures to prevent further tragedies.
Annamalai Slams DMK Govt
BJP TN Chief K Annamalai slammed the DMK government with a statement on his official X handle. He wrote, “It is very shocking that 23 people have been admitted to hospital and three have died due to sewage mixed with drinking water near Chennai’s Pallavaram. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. I wish all those affected a speedy recovery. Asked about this by the media, more than 300 people would have been affected if the drinking water had been mixed with sewage. But only 20 people have been affected. So the minister arrogantly replied that the fault lies with the people. Mr. Mo. Anbarasan. If sewage is not mixed with drinking water, will the minister and the DMK come forward to drink the drinking water provided in that area? Apart from that, the media brother who raised the question whether maida flour was sprinkled on the streets instead of bleaching powder was told that the price of bleaching powder is Rs. 10 – 13 says the Minister Mr. Mo. Anbarasan. However, the minister did not have an answer to the media brother’s question as to why the corporation had purchased bleaching powder for Rs.55. Corruption everywhere, corruption in anything, this anti-people government, which acts without any concern for the welfare of the people, innocent civilians are suffering daily to the point of death, and the Chief Minister Mr. Stalin, who is advertising as a Dravidian model government without any shame, raises the question whether he is really being informed about the actual situation on the ground.”
சென்னை பல்லாவரம் அருகே, குடிநீரில் கழிவு நீர் கலந்ததால், உடல் நலம் பாதிக்கப்பட்டு, 23 பேர் மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதும், மூன்று உயிரிழந்திருப்பதும் மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது. உயிரிழந்தவர் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்களைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன். உடல் நலம்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) December 5, 2024
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