How many people fall sick and how many die every year in the country due to drinking dirty water?:In our country, water is the most essential thing for life. But did you know that every year millions of people suffer from serious illnesses due to drinking dirty or contaminated water?

News Topical, Digital Desk : The water crisis in India impacts the lives of millions of people every year. Many people in cities and villages are unable to drink clean water and are forced to drink contaminated water. This contaminated water is the primary cause of many diseases. Drinking contaminated water can lead to stomach, liver, kidney, and skin problems. In severe cases, it can even lead to death. Water is essential for life in our country. But did you know that every year, millions of people are suffering from serious illnesses due to drinking dirty or contaminated water?

In many places in India, people still lack access to clean water. This isn't just a rural problem; people in cities and metropolises are also becoming sick due to contaminated water. So, let's find out how many people fall ill and die each year in the country due to drinking contaminated water.

Common diseases caused by dirty water

Dirty water doesn't just make us feel unwell. It can also cause serious illnesses. The bacteria, viruses, and toxins it contains enter our bodies and cause a variety of problems, such as:

1. Stomach related problems – Serious diseases like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, cholera, typhoid.

2. Liver and liver diseases – Problems like hepatitis-A and E (jaundice).

3. Kidney and kidney problems – Heavy metals present in dirty water like arsenic, lead and cadmium can gradually damage the kidneys.

4. Skin related problems – Problems like rashes, allergies, psoriasis and eczema.

5. Cancer and other serious diseases – Carcinogenic elements and toxins present in contaminated water can cause fatal diseases like cancer in the long run.

6. Neurological problems – Memory loss, mood swings and other mental problems may also occur.

How many people fall ill every year in the country due to drinking dirty water?

The problem of dirty water is significant in India. According to a July 2022 study, people in approximately 195,000 settlements in India are drinking contaminated water. This not only spreads common diseases but also led to the deaths of approximately 2.3 million people in 2019. The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) report states that approximately 200,000 people die each year in India from drinking contaminated water. If this problem is not addressed promptly, approximately 600 million people could face water shortages and contaminated water by 2030.

Where is there more dirty water?

According to experts, urban slums and congested areas are the most affected by dirty water. Poor water supply in the NCR region and Delhi-NCR is causing frequent illnesses. Hundreds of people are hospitalized every month due to the supply of dirty water to small sectors, colonies, and apartments.

Experts warn

Doctors say that drinking contaminated water also affects children's physical and mental development. Without timely treatment, serious infections can spread to the kidneys and liver. Experts have urged officials to ensure clean water is available to the public by replacing faulty pipelines and regularly testing the water.

Precautions and Treatment at Home

1. Drinking water – Always drink boiled or filtered water.

2. Electrolytes – To avoid dehydration, use lemon water, coconut water and ORS.

3. Light food – In case of vomiting or diarrhea, eat light food like khichdi, curd-rice, banana.

4. Be alert – If you experience persistent diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, decreased urination, or yellowing of the body/eyes, consult a doctor immediately.

5. Hygiene – Eat fresh and covered food, wash hands thoroughly and get timely vaccinations.