Admin formulates action plan to prevent spread of water-borne diseases; Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh asks for launching water testing derive, mass awareness campaign

DODA: In response to the recent floods and the subsequent risk of contamination of drinking water sources, Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh today chaired a crucial meeting to chalk out preventive strategies against the possible outbreak of water-borne diseases in the district.

The meeting was attended by District Programme Officer Akhtar Hussain Qazi; ACD Din Mohd Afaqi; ACP Mushraf Haff; District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Qazi; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Om Kumar, Chief Education Officer   Mohammad Hafiz, Heads of Government Degree Colleges of Doda, Thathri, Gandoh, Bhaderwah and Kastigarh, Superintending Engineer Hydraulics, XENs PHE, Kishtwar and Gandoh, along with other senior officers.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to ensure supply of safe drinking water to all affected areas. He directed the Hydraulic Department to intensify chlorination, repair of damaged pipelines and water quality testing.

The Health Department was asked to strengthen surveillance of vulnerable areas, deploy medical teams, and stock essential medicines to deal with any potential outbreak. The Education Department was directed to spread awareness among students regarding hygiene and safe drinking practices, while the Social Welfare and Rural Development Departments were tasked with community-level sensitization campaigns.

DC Harvinder Singh informed the officers about the government guidelines for handling water-borne diseases and directed the XEN PHE to initiate a district-wide water testing drive. He also instructed them to start mobile campaign to spread awareness. The CMO was directed to mobilise   ASHA workers for household visits to educate people about using safe and treated drinking water. The ACP was asked to create awareness in every Panchayat about the possible spread of water-borne diseases.

The CEO Doda was directed to organize hygiene awareness and WASH campaigns through students in schools, while Principals of Degree Colleges were instructed to conduct similar campaigns and practices in their institutions. The DC also directed ACP to take immediate action to start dewatering and mud clearance in the colleges and schools that were submerged due to the recent heavy rains. The District Social Welfare Officer was asked to organize WASH awareness campaigns in institutions under the department’s supervision, while the District Programme Officer was directed to conduct awareness drives on hygiene and water safety in all Anganwadi Centres.

Further, the XEN PHE was instructed to start distribution of chlorine tablets in coordination with the CMO and Social Welfare Officer covering   all hostels run by the Social Welfare Department, Health Department and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs). The CMO was asked to submit a daily status report regarding cases of water-borne diseases to the district administration.