Contaminated Well Water with Dead Pigeons Sickens 60 in Madhya Pradesh: Health Crisis Update

In Madhya Pradesh's Rajola village in Chhindwara, 60 individuals from 150 families have fallen ill after consuming contaminated water from a well, according to Sub Divisional Magistrate Hemkaran Dhruve.

During his interview with ANI on Thursday, SDM Dhruve explained, "We conducted health check-ups of 150 families yesterday and discovered 60 people suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. Upon testing water samples from the well, we confirmed contamination. Four dead pigeons were found in the well. We immediately sealed the well and plan to replace its contents with fresh water today."

He further stated, "We have provided medicine to 120 patients today and will maintain a medical camp here for the next 2-3 days. No patients are in critical condition, and we've established a temporary hospital at the Gram Panchayat. Appropriate action will be taken against negligent parties including the Gram Panchayat, pump operators, and Secretary."

This incident follows another recent tragedy in Madhya Pradesh involving the deaths of 20 children, along with three fatalities from Rajasthan, all linked to Coldrif syrup consumption.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed that 20 children in the state died after taking Coldrif cough syrup, while five others remain under treatment. Among the deceased children, 17 were from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one from Pandhurna district.

In response to these incidents, the Union Government has decided to strengthen the country's drug monitoring system. A new law is being proposed to grant statutory powers to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for regulating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

The World Health Organization has also issued a health advisory warning against the use and distribution of three specific cough syrups: Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife.