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22 June 2026

Water-borne disease outbreaks in Kerala

The topic provides specific data from a CAG report and the AMRUT mission regarding public health infrastructure and governance failures, which are directly relevant to evaluating government policy implementation and accountability.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Kerala, despite high public health indicators, faces recurrent outbreaks of water-borne diseases including shigellosis, Hepatitis A, norovirus, and Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases (ADD).
  • Amoebic meningoencephalitis has emerged as a significant health threat, linked to faecal contamination in domestic wells.
  • Groundwater reliance is high, with 62% of the population depending on nearly 7 million wells.
  • Over 70% of open wells in Kerala show high levels of faecal contamination, as reported by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management.
  • Sewerage infrastructure is inadequate, with less than 6% coverage as of 2025; major cities lack household sewage collection systems.
  • The CAG 2025 report noted that the AMRUT Mission achieved only 11.25% of its targets in Kerala, with only 0.13% of households receiving sewerage connections.
  • Poor design and proximity of septic tanks to domestic wells, combined with high population density, are primary drivers of groundwater contamination.
  • Water supply systems often suffer from inadequate chlorination, filtration, and pipeline proximity to sewage drains.
  • Addressing water-borne diseases requires inter-sectoral coordination, focusing on urban planning, wastewater treatment, and environmental surveillance.

Questions

  1. Despite Kerala's exemplary public health indicators, the state is witnessing a rise in water-borne diseases. Analyze the structural and environmental factors contributing to this trend. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The persistence of water-borne diseases in urbanizing regions highlights a disconnect between sanitation infrastructure and public health outcomes. Discuss the role of inter-sectoral governance and urban planning in mitigating these risks, with reference to the challenges faced by states like Kerala. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. According to the CAG 2025 report, what was the status of sewerage connections provided to households in Kerala under the AMRUT Mission?

  2. Which of the following is identified as a major factor contributing to the contamination of domestic wells in Kerala?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-22/water-borne-disease-outbreaks-in-kerala