Rising Waterborne Illnesses Highlight Civic Health Crisis in Ahemdabad
India is grappling with a concerning uptick in waterborne diseases, with cities like Mumbai witnessing a sharp rise in cases of diarrhoea, jaundice, and typhoid in 2024. These diseases, typically linked to poor water quality, sanitation issues, and inadequate civic infrastructure, are putting enormous pressure on public health systems. According to the latest data from the Municipal Corporation, there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases compared to last year. This surge underscores the urgent need for sustained public health interventions and infrastructure upgrades to combat this growing crisis.
From January 1 to December 29, 2024, the city recorded 9,957 cases of diarrhoea, 3,346 cases of jaundice, 5,326 cases of typhoid, and 201 cases of cholera, according to the Municipal Corporation of India (AMC) data. This represents a significant increase over the 2023 figures, which recorded 6,847 cases of diarrhoea, 1,739 of jaundice, 4,308 of typhoid, and 95 cholera cases. The figures clearly reflect a public health emergency, with diarrhoea and jaundice cases nearly doubling in just one year, stressing the vulnerability of urban populations to the consequences of water contamination. In December alone, the number of cases further escalated, with 233 diarrhoea cases, 351 jaundice cases, and 266 typhoid cases recorded in just 29 days.
The rise in cases is compounded by poor water quality, as shown by the 30 unfit samples out of 5,114 collected by the AMC for bacteriological testing in December. With urbanisation at its peak, there is an increasing demand for efficient water management, which is often compromised due to overloaded infrastructure and inadequate sanitation facilities. While government and civic bodies have stepped up efforts, such as water quality testing, the large-scale implementation of preventive measures and long-term solutions remains slow. This stagnation in tackling the root causes highlights a troubling gap in both civic preparedness and the urgency required in addressing waterborne disease outbreaks.
The surge in cases can be partly attributed to a lack of awareness regarding safe water consumption, poor sewage management, and unregulated waste disposal, which further contaminate water supplies. These issues are particularly severe in the city’s growing informal settlements, where poor sanitation and hygiene practices often lead to disease outbreaks. Furthermore, with water resources under strain and rising temperatures, the challenges of maintaining clean water supplies are becoming more pronounced.
Sustainability Angle: The Need for Cleaner Urban Infrastructure
Addressing the rise in waterborne diseases is not just a matter of improving public health—it is deeply tied to sustainability. Water conservation and efficient sanitation are cornerstones of urban sustainability, as poor water management exacerbates not only disease outbreaks but also environmental degradation. The need for cities to implement green infrastructure solutions, such as wastewater treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, and more sustainable waste management practices, has never been more pressing. In this context, ensuring safe drinking water and reducing contamination becomes a moral imperative for safeguarding future generations.
As India’s cities expand and modernise, there is a clear need for a paradigm shift in how urban infrastructure is managed. Sustainable urban development is key to not only controlling the spread of diseases but also mitigating the broader environmental impact. For instance, integrating eco-friendly water treatment technologies and promoting hygiene awareness at the grassroots level could drastically reduce the incidence of diseases linked to poor sanitation. This, in turn, would relieve pressure on the healthcare system and lead to long-term health and environmental benefits.
India’s current situation highlights the severe consequences of neglecting water quality and public health in urban planning. The increase in waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, jaundice, and typhoid is a stark reminder of the challenges that urban centres face in ensuring safe water for all. A coordinated response from government bodies, health professionals, and the private sector is essential to implement sustainable solutions and reverse the trend of rising disease rates. With more attention to eco-friendly sanitation practices and enhanced water management systems, India can work towards a healthier, more sustainable urban future for its citizens.
