Poor sanitation at Madurai polytechnic hostel linked to student illnesses

Students at the Tamil Nadu Government Polytechnic College hostel in Jaihindpuram, Madurai, are facing health risks due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and inadequate toilets, according to reports. The hostel, which houses 134 students, is more than five decades old and has been poorly maintained. Recently, 13 hostellers alleged they fell ill with jaundice after consuming contaminated water, while several others suffered from fever and diarrhoea. The students who developed jaundice in July are undergoing treatment at their respective native towns. Students said the bathrooms are not cleaned regularly, and only one person is available for sanitation work, making it difficult to maintain cleanliness.