NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Amid Typhoid Cases In Gujarat's Gandhinagar

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported significant surge in the patients of typhoid due to consumption of contaminated drinking water in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar. A notice has been issued to Gujarat’s Chief Secretary, and the commission has sought a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The report is expected to include the present health status of the outdoor and indoor patients of typhoid and the steps taken or proposed to ensure such incidents do not recur.

As per an official statement by the commission, seven points of leaks have been identified in the water pipeline network causing sewage to mix with the drinking water supply.

The State Health Department has confirmed a total

of 70 active typhoid cases concentrated in a specific area in Gandhinagar. NHRC noted that the surge in the patients of typhoid has exposed serious flaws in the newly laid water supply system in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.

“According to the media report, carried on 4th January 2026, the doctors have confirmed that this is a water-borne outbreak, and they are working to ensure early detection and prompt medical treatment to the patients on priority,” NHRC’s statement reads.

A 30-bed Paediatric Ward has been set up in Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to accommodate the increasing number of typhoid patients, most of whom are children. The patients are reportedly presenting with high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Amid the outbreak, the local civic body has surveyed more than 1.58 lakh people and distributed chlorine tablets and ORS. The leakages in the water supply have also been fixed.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation. In the meeting, Gandhinagar Municipal Commissioner J. N. Vaghela informed the CM that there has been a gradual decrease in cases following extensive steps taken by the civic body.