More than 200 people living in Ajnara Homes Society, a residential society in Greater Noida, have fallen ill and water contamination is being suspected to be the cause.
“More than 200 residents reported illness. The most affected towers are M, J, K, and A. However, on Tuesday, almost all the towers’ residents complained of similar issues. It is suspected that the groundwater supply of the society is contaminated because if the overhead tanks were affected, it would affect only one tower, as each tower has individual overhead tanks,” said Chandan Sinha, AOA president of Ajnara Homes.
The infected people have symptoms like stomach pain and abdominal discomfort.
“We got the news that some people have fallen sick at Ajnara Home Society. I sent my Nodal DMO there, who told me that the overhead tank in Ajnara Home Society was cleaned probably last September and that the groundwater tank was not properly covered. A medical camp will be set up there by CSC… The report of the water test is still awaited. Some patients have complained about stomach pain and abdominal discomfort…,” Narender Kumar, CMO Gautam Buddha Nagar told news agency ANI.
This draws attention to the water tanks in high rises and residential societies that are used by hundreds and thousands of people on a daily basis. Are these water tanks cleaned frequently? Over time, tanks can accumulate sediment, algae, rust, and even harmful bacteria, turning clean water into a health risk. Dirty tanks can cause stomach infections, skin issues, or even outbreaks of waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera. Encourage your society management to take water hygiene seriously.
To ensure water hygiene in your building, here are some practical tips:
- Regular cleaning – Society tanks should be cleaned at least every 6 months by professionals using safe, eco-friendly disinfectants.
- Covered tanks – Make sure tanks are properly sealed to keep out insects, rodents, and debris.
- Chlorination – Controlled chlorination kills bacteria. Never overdo it—consult experts.
- Annual water testing – Get water samples tested for bacterial and chemical contamination.
- Pipe maintenance – Rusty or leaky pipes can re-contaminate clean water.
Clean water isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic need that directly impacts your family’s health. A little vigilance today can prevent major health issues tomorrow. After all, safe water starts at the source—don’t ignore what’s inside the tank.