RAJOURI, JAN 22: In response to the ongoing health crisis in Badhal village, which has claimed 17 lives, the Jammu and Kashmir government has implemented a range of preventive measures to curb the spread of the illness and prevent further escalation.
As part of the containment efforts, the District Administration of Rajouri has ordered the immediate relocation of affected families to quarantine facilities in Rajouri, specifically to the Government Nursing College (GNC), where necessary medical care, including round-the-clock doctor support and security, will be provided.
The affected area has been declared a containment zone with comprehensive surveillance measures enforced, and Section 163 of the BNSS Act has been invoked for immediate compliance. The village has been divided into three containment zones: One zone covers the homes of families that have experienced fatalities, with strict sealing of the affected houses and restricted access unless permitted by a designated officer. And the other two zones encompass families identified as having had contact with the affected individuals.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the relocated families, authorities have replaced existing food and water supplies with safe alternatives. Designated officers are tasked with maintaining a logbook, recording three daily entries to track food distribution and consumption, as part of efforts to safeguard public health and curb the spread of the crisis.
Officials from various departments, including health, police, local administration, and others, have been mobilized to monitor the situation closely and ensure the smooth relocation and quarantine process. The Senior Superintendent of Police has been tasked with overseeing security arrangements at the quarantine facility, with police personnel stationed at all entry and exit points to prevent unauthorized access.
A team of doctors, led by the Principal of GMC Rajouri, will be on standby 24/7 at the Nursing College to attend to any medical emergencies. In addition, the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri has arranged 100 single-bedded mattresses and beds to provide a comfortable and secure place for the displaced families.
The Deputy District Election Officer of Rajouri has been assigned to install CCTV cameras in the kitchen area to ensure food safety and hygiene. The Assistant Commissioner Panchayat has arranged hygiene supplies, including toothbrushes, soap, and hair oil, for maintaining sanitation. To support the medical team, the Chief Medical Officer has stationed an ambulance at the Nursing College for immediate medical assistance, if needed.
The XEN of JPDCL has been tasked with overseeing the power systems to ensure stable electricity supply, while the XEN of Jal Shakti will ensure the provision of clean drinking water and water for other needs, such as washrooms. The Account Officer from the DC office has arranged for cooked food, baby food, and milk to be provided to the families.
The Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation has been tasked with ensuring that adequate mattresses, beds, and bedding materials are available, and the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety will oversee the testing of all food and water to ensure their safety.
In addition, the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department has been mobilized to care for domestic animals left behind in the village, ensuring their safety and proper management.
The district administration is working tirelessly to provide necessary assistance, and officials have urged the public to fully cooperate with the containment measures in place. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the community amid ongoing concerns regarding the mysterious illness.
