Maharashtra: CM announces Rs. 5 lakh ex-gratia for kin of people killed after drinking contaminated water from wells in Amravati

Three persons died and 47 fell ill after drinking polluted water from open wells in two villages of Maharashtra’s Amravati district, an official said on Saturday.

As per a statement issued by the chief minister’s office (CMO), the affected persons belonged to Paach Dongri and Koylari villages of Melaghat in Amravati.

On learning about the deaths, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is currently in Delhi, phoned the collector of Amravati and directed that medical treatment be provided to the affected persons at the earliest and if needed, they be admitted to a private hospital, the statement said.

The chief minister's office said that the CM has announced to provide Rs 5 lakh each from CM Assistance Funds to the families of those who died due to drinking contaminated water from wells in Pachdongari & Koylari villages in Amravati district.

Further, the CM also directed to provide medical treatment at government expenses to those who fell ill after drinking the contaminated water in Amravati district.

At least 50 persons fell ill after consuming polluted water from open wells and of these, three have died. The victims suffered from diarrhoea, it said.

The district collector informed the chief minister that condition of some patients was critical. To which, Shinde asked him to ensure that all efforts are taken to see that the toll does not rise.