Pulwama: In Dargund Bellow village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, people have panicked after nine persons tested positive for hepatitis, while many others are showing symptoms of the disease.
A health official informed that the screening process is underway, and nine cases have been confirmed positive for hepatitis. Residents allege that contaminated water is the main reason behind the outbreak of the disease.
According to locals, they are receiving water from a 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, they have not received potable water. Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Dr Tehmeena, said that nine cases of hepatitis 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 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)
