Jaundice outbreak in Pulwama; nine test positive

Jaundice outbreak in Pulwama; nine test positive

Locals slam authorities for feeding contaminated water

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Mar 16 (KNO): An outbreak of jaundice in Dargund Bellow village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has raised concerns as nine persons have tested positive, while many others are having symptoms of the disease.

A health official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the screening process is underway, and nine cases have been confirmed positive for jaundice.

Residents allege that contaminated water is the main reason behind the outbreak of the disease. According to locals, they are receiving water from a water supply sourced from a tubewell, but the water is highly contaminated.

“Authorities had earlier promised a new water supply scheme for the village, but no action has been taken,” they claimed.

They also said the tank of their water supply scheme has not been cleaned for several years. Despite repeatedly informing the authorities about the issue, we have not received potable water, they said.

Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Dr Tehmeena, told KNO that nine cases of jaundice have been reported from the village.

“We took water samples, but they came back negative as the Jal Shakti Department had already chlorinated the water,” she said, adding, “People should not panic but consume boiled water and maintain proper hygiene.”

Meanwhile, an official of the Jal Shakti Department informed KNO that the village was receiving water from a spring and tubewell. While the water from the spring is safe, the tubewell has recently collapsed.

He assured that the concerned department has been contacted, and work is expected to commence from Monday. The official also said that water is being supplied to the village after proper treatment—(KNO)