Over 100 girls fall ill at Jharkhand residential school; water quality suspected, staff suspended
More than 100 girls at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Garhwa district, Jharkhand, fell ill on Friday after allegedly consuming water from an overhead plastic storage tank. The incident prompted the suspension of the school’s warden, a teacher, and a cook.
The residential school houses 300 students. According to district administration officials, approximately 100 students reported symptoms and were taken to a local hospital. By Saturday, all but six had been discharged. The six remaining girls are in stable condition and under observation.
Kharaundhi Block Pramukh Abha Rani visited the school and hospital. She stated that students had repeatedly complained about poor food quality and inadequate water facilities. “As a result, many girls were forced to drink hot water stored in the overhead plastic tank during the day’s intense heat,” she alleged.
The district administration has ordered an investigation into the incident. Water samples from the tank have been sent for testing to confirm contamination. The suspended staff members are accused of negligence in maintaining safe drinking water.
Health officials said the affected students suffered from vomiting and stomach pain, consistent with waterborne illness. Authorities have assured that the school will implement stricter hygiene measures.
