The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of a reported surge in typhoid cases in Gujarat’s capital, Gandhinagar, expressing serious concern over what it described as a potential violation of the fundamental human rights of affected residents. The move follows media reports and official confirmations pointing to contaminated drinking water as the primary cause of the outbreak, exposing alleged flaws in the city’s newly laid water supply infrastructure.

According to the Gujarat state health department, at least 70 active cases of typhoid have been confirmed so far in Gandhinagar. The NHRC noted that these cases are concentrated in specific parts of the city, indicating a localised but severe public health crisis. In a press release, the Commission said the outbreak, if the reported facts are accurate, reflects systemic failures that directly impact citizens’ right to health, safe drinking water, and dignified living conditions.

Contaminated Water Supply at the Centre of the Crisis

The NHRC’s intervention comes amid growing evidence that the outbreak is waterborne. Officials from the Press Information Bureau stated that seven leakage points have been identified in the water pipeline network in Gandhinagar. These leaks allegedly allowed sewage to mix with drinking water, resulting in widespread contamination.

“The surge in typhoid patients has exposed serious flaws in the newly laid water supply system in Gandhinagar city,” the Commission observed, citing information from media reports and official sources. The identification of multiple leak points has raised questions about the quality of construction, monitoring, and maintenance of critical public infrastructure in the state capital.

Doctors treating patients have reportedly confirmed that the pattern of infections strongly suggests contamination of the municipal water supply. Typhoid, a bacterial disease caused by Salmonella typhi, is commonly spread through consumption of contaminated food or water, making clean drinking water a critical preventive measure.

NHRC Issues Notice to Gujarat Government

Taking note of the gravity of the situation, the NHRC has issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Gujarat, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has asked the state government to provide comprehensive information on the present health status of both indoor and outdoor typhoid patients, along with the medical facilities being provided to them.

Importantly, the NHRC has also demanded details of the steps already taken and those proposed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Commission said that the contents of the reports, if found to be true, raise “serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims,” particularly in light of the state’s responsibility to ensure access to safe drinking water.

The Commission’s action underscores the principle that public health failures, especially those stemming from infrastructural lapses, are not merely administrative issues but also matters of human rights accountability.

Children Among the Worst Affected

One of the most worrying aspects of the outbreak is that a majority of the affected patients are children. Officials confirmed that many of those hospitalised are minors presenting with high fever, gastrointestinal distress, and other classic symptoms of typhoid.

To cope with the rising number of cases, a 30-bed paediatric ward has been opened at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital. Medical authorities said the additional facility was created to ensure timely treatment for children, who are particularly vulnerable to complications from typhoid if diagnosis or treatment is delayed.

Doctors have stated that early detection and prompt medical intervention are being prioritised to prevent the disease from spreading further and to reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

Escalating Numbers and Emergency Response

While the NHRC cited 70 confirmed cases based on state health department data, earlier reports indicate that the scale of the outbreak may be larger. According to health officials, at least 102 patients, most of them children, were hospitalised over a span of just two days earlier this month.

Dr Nilam Patel, additional director in Gujarat’s family welfare and health department, said that of the total reported cases, 37 patients were admitted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, while others were receiving treatment at different healthcare facilities. “Most of the infected patients are children,” she said, highlighting the severity of the outbreak among younger age groups.

Authorities have linked the outbreak to contamination caused by ongoing drainage repair work being carried out by the municipal corporation. Officials said that disruptions to existing pipelines and drainage lines during repair work likely created conditions for sewage to enter drinking water lines.

Affected Areas and Surveillance Measures

The highest number of typhoid cases has been reported from Sector 24 of Gandhinagar, with additional cases emerging from Sector 21 and nearby localities. Officials said at least six locations with suspected water contamination have been identified, and corrective measures are currently underway to repair leaks and flush contaminated pipelines.

In response to the outbreak, the state government has significantly ramped up surveillance and emergency health measures. Dr Patel said that 63 surveillance teams have been deployed across Gandhinagar. These teams have so far surveyed around 10,000 households and contacted nearly 38,000 residents as part of door-to-door surveillance and awareness campaigns.

A rapid response team comprising physicians and microbiologists has also been constituted to closely monitor patients, assess the spread of infection, and guide treatment protocols. Health officials said the focus is on identifying cases early, ensuring adequate antibiotic treatment, and preventing further transmission.

Political and Administrative Attention

The seriousness of the situation has also drawn attention at the highest political levels. Union home minister Amit Shah reportedly took stock of the situation earlier this month, as medical and administrative teams intensified their response in the affected areas. His review came amid concerns over the speed and effectiveness of corrective measures, particularly in ensuring a safe water supply.

Officials said coordination between the health department, municipal authorities, and state administration has been stepped up to address both the immediate medical emergency and the underlying infrastructural issues.

Questions of Accountability and Public Trust

The NHRC’s intervention has added a new dimension to the crisis by framing it as a human rights issue rather than solely a public health emergency. Access to safe drinking water is widely recognised as an essential component of the right to life and health. Any failure that exposes citizens, especially children, to preventable diseases raises serious questions of accountability.

As the state government prepares its response to the NHRC’s notice, attention is likely to focus on whether the water supply flaws were foreseeable and preventable, and whether adequate safeguards were in place during infrastructure upgrades and drainage repairs.

For residents of Gandhinagar, the immediate concern remains the safety of their drinking water and the health of their families. For authorities, the outbreak serves as a stark reminder that lapses in basic civic services can quickly escalate into major public health and human rights crises. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining not only how effectively the outbreak is contained, but also whether systemic reforms are undertaken to prevent a recurrence.