Ahmedabad has reported a concerning rise in waterborne diseases, including gastroenteritis, jaundice, typhoid, and cholera, surpassing last year’s figures. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) revealed alarming statistics: from January to November 2024, 9,724 cases of gastroenteritis, 2,995 cases of jaundice, 5,060 typhoid cases, and 199 cholera cases were reported. These figures have already exceeded the total cases recorded in 2023, which stood at 6,847, 1,739, 4,308, and 95 respectively. The data points to a troubling increase in illnesses stemming from food and water contamination, raising questions about the city’s water quality and public health management.
While waterborne diseases have spiked, a contrasting trend emerged in vector-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue. Between January and November 2024, Ahmedabad recorded 879 simple malaria cases, 146 severe malaria cases, 2,177 dengue cases, and 225 chikungunya cases. This shows a notable decline compared to 2023, where 1,193 simple malaria cases, 174 severe cases, 2,524 dengue cases, and 54 chikungunya cases were reported. Despite these improvements, the surge in waterborne diseases underscores persistent public health challenges that demand immediate attention from civic authorities.
The AMC’s water quality assessment for November 2024 sheds light on the root cause of the issue. Out of 5,953 water samples tested for bacterial contamination, 42 were found unsuitable for consumption. Additionally, 205 out of 54,273 samples examined for chlorine content revealed inadequate levels, pointing to gaps in water treatment and distribution systems. These lapses are fuelling the rise in preventable diseases, putting vulnerable populations at greater risk. Citizens have expressed growing concerns, urging authorities to enforce stricter water safety measures and improve surveillance.
From a sustainability perspective, Ahmedabad must adopt a holistic approach to water management. Strengthening infrastructure, investing in advanced purification technologies, and promoting community awareness about safe water practices are critical steps to mitigate future outbreaks. Sustainable urban planning and proactive governance can safeguard the health of residents while addressing broader environmental concerns tied to water contamination. As the city grapples with these health crises, the urgency for systemic reforms has never been more evident.
