Coliform bacteria detected in water samples of Supertech Ecovillage 2: GNIDA report

The GNIDA report, a copy of which is in the possession of the HT, revealed that coliform levels, which should ideally be zero, rose to 20 per cent in water samples taken from the residential society for testing.

This week, Chief Medical Officer Gautam Budh Nagar also confirmed the presence of “E. Coli bacteria” in the water samples collected.

“The presence of E. Coli in water can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. If not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening,” said Dr Sunil Kumar Sharma, chief medical officer, Noida district hospital, referring to the water contamination found at Supertech ecovillage.

According to Health Ministry officials, as many as 339 people, including 170 children, have exhibited symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever.

GNIDA officials, however, said that coliform bacteria in water do not directly cause disease, but their presence is an indicator of other potentially harmful pathogens.

Coliform bacteria indicate the presence of pathogenic organisms in water, which can lead to disease outbreaks, they said.

According to Ashutosh Dwivedi, Deputy Managing Director (ACEO), GNIDA, the presence of coliform bacteria in water is a strong indicator of the potential for harmful pathogens that can lead to disease outbreaks.

“In addition, we found excessive traces of bleaching powder in the water and the water tank had not been drained properly, which contributed to the contamination. This lack of proper maintenance likely led to the health issues residents are facing,” ACEO said.

The Gautam Budh Nagar administration, meanwhile, said it has set up a committee, headed by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) (Finance and Revenue) Atul Kumar, to conduct a thorough probe into the Supertech Ecovillage 2 incident.

“We are currently awaiting responses from all the departments concerned who have initiated testing of the water samples collected from the residence. Once all the reports are received, we will decide the appropriate course of action,” said Manish Kumar Verma, district magistrate.

Mohammed Imran, administrative director of Supertech Ecovillage 2, could not be reached for comment on the GNIDA report on Saturday.

The incident came to light on September 3 after several residents, including adults and children, fell ill after consuming water from their community, Supertech Ecovillage 2 in Greater Noida West, supplied through their water tanks. Residents of towers C4, C5, C6 and C7 complained of health issues and some were hospitalised.

The company has 32 towers and more than 3,500 families, or about 7,000 people.

Residents claimed that the company’s water tanks had undergone a cleaning operation by the company management, HT reported.

After the incident, GNIDA clarified that the authority was responsible for supplying water from the group housing society’s reservoir, while water supply to residents’ houses was managed by the builder or the apartment owners’ association (AOA).

As the investigation progresses, officials have reassured residents that additional measures are being implemented to improve water safety and prevent a recurrence of the incident.