HYDERABAD: A dip in the number of free drinking water facilities, usually set up by sponsors as a goodwill gesture in summer, and unhygienic settings at such facilities in the city are turning into a problem for those who cannot avoid the heat to earn a daily living, with the mercury level soaring close to 40° Celsius already.
Given that the Covid-19 numbers have seen a recent spike even as the city grapples with influenza and flu-like illnesses, medical experts are concerned over hundreds of people using a common utensil to consume water at free facilities.
“Usage of a single utensil can prove to be extremely dangerous. Many people think drinking/pouring water into their mouth from the glass from a distance would keep germs away, but that's wrong. Merely touching the glass is enough proximity for potential contraction,” said Sunil Kandarao, a consultant general physician.
He said that air and water-borne diseases are on the rise across the country.
Sri Vidyulata K., a homoeopathy student who went to a water kiosk near Ramanthapur chose not to because it had a single ‘chambu (jug)’. “How did they even think they could put just one glass for all? Even people in their own homes have different utensils for each member. This is highly irresponsible and dangerous because I saw many others drinking from it unbothered,” she said.
Dr Kandarao said that the safest practice is to carry one’s own bottle and fill it up from containers that don’t necessitate contact with the filter/cooler or the tap. “Ideally, avoid using them unless absolutely necessary. Consuming coconut water from a roadside vendor is even better,” he said.
Meanwhile, the lack of such facilities in many public places brought another issue to the fore — hotels refusing free drinking water, which is against the norms.
According to Section 7(2) of the Indian Sarais Act 1867, hotels cannot deny a person who asks for or consumes water or wants to use the washrooms for free, at any time.
“We were denied water and were asked to buy a cold bottle instead. We said we didn't need fancy mineral water, just what they serve customers at the table from their jar will do, but we were indirectly shamed for not willing to shell out Rs 22,” said Muneer Saif, a management student in King Koti.
