Nearly 250 students from ashram schools in Dahanu taluka of Maharashtra’s Palghar district fell ill due to food poisoning. They were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Incident Overview
On Monday evening, students at 20 ashram schools (residential facilities for tribal pupils) complained of health complications such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness within a couple of hours of having dinner. The food was sourced from a central kitchen at Kalamgaon.
Immediate Response
- Rushed to Hospitals: Nearly 250 students were taken to nearby hospitals and health centres by their teachers.
- Current Condition: 150 students are still undergoing treatment at primary health centres (PHCs) and rural hospitals in Kasa, Talasari, Wangaon, Palghar and Manor. Their condition is stable. The rest have been discharged.
Official Actions
District collector Govind Bodke has ordered a probe into the incident. After being informed about the situation, he, along with senior district officials, visited the health centres where students were admitted and inspected the central kitchen from where the food was sourced.
Investigations
- Sample Collection: State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police personnel collected food samples and sent them to laboratories for testing.
- Investigations: The relevant sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) will carry out an investigation into the incident. The FDA and police will also conduct their independent probes.
Schools Affected
The affected ashram schools were functioning under the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and located in Dahanu, Palghar, Talasari and Vasai talukas of the district, Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bhagade said.
Summary of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Students Affected | Nearly 250 |
| Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, dizziness |
| Current Status | 150 still undergoing treatment, stable |
| Source of Food | Central kitchen at Kalamgaon |
| Authorities Involved | FDA, Police, District Collector, SDM |
| Investigation | Samples sent for testing, multiple probes |
This incident highlights the urgent need for stringent checks and regulations regarding food safety in residential schools to prevent such occurrences in the future.