In Greater Noida, a cluster of residents in Delta 1 sector reportedly fell ill after consuming tap water, raising concerns about water safety in the rapidly developing urban area. People living in parts of the sector reported symptoms including vomiting, fever, stomachache, and loose motions after using the municipal water supply on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to news agency PTI.

Residents Report Illness and Raise Concerns

Rishipal Bhati, a resident and former president of the local residents’ welfare association (RWA), told PTI that overflow of sewage and leaks in pipelines, particularly in C Block, were likely responsible for the incident. “Around six to seven families fell ill with symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and loose motion after consuming contaminated water,” he said. Bhati added that similar complaints had been reported in other blocks in the past, indicating a recurring problem with water supply infrastructure.

Harendra Bhati, another local resident from the nearby Beta 1 sector, echoed concerns about persistent sewage overflow. “I have raised this issue many times, but no permanent solution has been put in place,” he said, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges in Greater Noida.

The incident comes amid heightened attention on water safety in India, following recent reports of contamination in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where tainted water supplies were linked to illness and even fatalities. In response, authorities across several states have intensified monitoring and testing of drinking water sources.

GNIDA Responds and Investigates

Officials from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) have dismissed claims of widespread sewage contamination, stating that initial water samples collected from affected areas did not indicate any impurities. A senior official said a supply connection issue in one house and a leak at another location were identified and immediately rectified.

“N G Ravi Kumar, CEO of Greater Noida Authority, has ordered random water testing across the city as a precautionary measure,” said Additional CEO Sunil Kumar Singh. Singh added that fresh samples collected on Wednesday evening, after water supply resumed, would be sent for laboratory testing. He also emphasized the need for builders and apartment owners’ associations to maintain regular cleaning of water reservoirs, conduct routine water testing, and submit reports to GNIDA.

The authority plans to issue a letter to residents urging them to promptly report any suspected water contamination, reflecting efforts to improve community awareness and rapid response mechanisms.

Health Department Steps In

The health department responded quickly to reports of illness. A free medical camp was organized in Delta 1 on Wednesday to examine and treat affected residents. Gautam Buddh Nagar chief medical officer Narendra Kumar said that 23 people were examined, and seven patients suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea received treatment at the camp.

While GNIDA and health authorities are taking steps to address the immediate problem, residents’ concerns point to longstanding infrastructural issues, including pipeline leaks and sewage overflows, that need sustained attention to ensure safe drinking water in Greater Noida.

As the city grows, authorities face mounting pressure to improve water management systems, maintain pipelines, and prevent contamination incidents that threaten public health. The ongoing monitoring and testing measures are intended to reassure residents and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.