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Rajasthan: 16 government school students fall ill after drinking contaminated water
In Barmer district's Sanawara village, 16 students from a government higher secondary school fell ill after reportedly drinking water from an open tank. They were taken to local hospitals and water samples were collected for testing; authorities say mid-day meals were not the cause and the children are stable. An investigation into the water quality is underway.
Why It Matters
The incident raises concerns about water safety in school facilities and the adequacy of responses by local authorities to potential contamination.
Timeline
6 Events
Emergency medical technician statement on timing and source
May 2, 2026
EMT Sukhdev Ganguli stated the incident was reported around 10 am and that the children had consumed water from an open tank at the school, with symptoms worsening soon after.
Medical update: condition of children
May 2, 2026
Barmer government hospital PMO Dr Hanuman Choudhary said all children were stable and admitted as a precautionary measure.
Mid-day meal not considered the cause
May 2, 2026
District education officer Devaram Chaudhary said the children had eaten food at home; the mid-day meal was yet to be served and being prepared, ruling out food contamination as the cause.
Water samples collected and sent for testing
May 2, 2026
Water samples from the school were collected and sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause of contamination. Further action will be taken after the report.
Students taken to hospital; initial treatment at Sanawara hospital and referral to Barmer district hospital
May 2, 2026
The affected students were first brought to Sanawara hospital and were later referred to the district hospital in Barmer for further treatment. Education department officials reached the hospital.
Illness reported after drinking water from open tank at school
May 2, 2026
Around 10:00 am, 16 students aged 5-14 at the government higher secondary school in Sanawara village began reporting itching and red marks after drinking water from an open tank. Initial symptoms included itching and rashes; more students developed similar symptoms shortly after.