Hamirpur (HP), March 18 Following an outbreak of jaundice affecting over 50 people, including schoolchildren, in villages around Hamirpur, the district administration on Wednesday directed authorities to conduct regular water sampling and testing to contain the disease.
Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore instructed the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) and health officials to monitor drinking water quality in the district, conduct regular water sampling and testing, ensure the cleanliness of all water sources, and raise public awareness, a statement issued here on Wednesday said.
During a meeting of the District Drinking Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) on Tuesday evening, Rathore sought a report from officials of the JSV, health, and education departments regarding the status and causes of the jaundice outbreak in the Swahal area near Hamirpur, the statement said.
Nearly fifty people, including schoolchildren, have been affected by jaundice in ten villages of the Swahal area located on the outskirts of Hamirpur town.
The DC said, in addition to tanks and pipelines maintained by the JSV, old natural water sources, such as stepwells, wells and ponds, and water tanks located in private homes and various institutions across the district, must be cleaned.
Emphasizing the need for water testing of private borewells, Rathore instructed Education Department officials to ensure the regular cleaning of water tanks in all schools and to keep logbooks updated.