A severe public health scare has gripped the campus of Assam Engineering College in Guwahati following an alarming water contamination incident. More than 50 resident students fell ill after the carcass of a monkey was discovered inside the primary water storage tank of Hostel No. 7, sparking deep distress over sanitation protocols and the safety of daily drinking supplies across the institution.
Pungent Odour Leads to Shocking Discovery
The situation came to light on the evening of November 2, when residents of Hostel No. 7 noticed a foul smell emanating from their taps and raised urgent complaints. A subsequent physical inspection of the overhead storage unit exposed the decomposing remains of a monkey trapped inside. Indications revealed that the animal had likely remained inside the reservoir for nearly an entire week without being detected by maintenance personnel.
Contaminated Supply Used for Hostel Meals
Throughout the seven-day period, unsuspecting students continued to consume and utilize the foul water for their everyday washing and hydration needs. Compounding the hazard, the hostel mess staff had also been drawing water from the same compromised tank to prepare daily meals for all residents. The sustained consumption of bacterially compromised water led dozens of boarders to experience acute gastrointestinal symptoms and physical distress.
Medical Attention at Jalukbari Facility
As symptoms worsened, over 50 affected boarders were rushed to the Ayurvedic College Hospital located in Jalukbari for immediate medical care. While medical personnel noted recovery in several students, multiple individuals remain under ongoing clinical supervision. A number of patients required intravenous fluid administration to stabilize their condition, whereas others were advised to recuperate inside their hostel quarters under medication.
Students Question Campus Maintenance Protocols
The ordeal has ignited sharp criticism regarding the frequency of infrastructure inspections and water safety checks at the premier engineering institution. Aggrieved hostel residents have questioned how such catastrophic contamination escaped administrative notice for days, demanding strict adherence to sanitation oversight so that clean water is consistently safeguarded.
