Ganderbal, Sep 4: In view of the recent incessant rains that have caused water logging in several areas of the district, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore Thursday convened a meeting to review preventive measures against water-borne diseases and directed for intensified water quality testing across the district. A statement issued here said that the meeting discussed the functioning of water testing laboratories, activation of Pani Samitis, and finalization of the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to spread awareness about preventive measures.
The DC directed the Executive Engineer Jal Shakti to enhance water quality monitoring through intensified testing and ensure that Pani Samitis carry out regular water testing at Panchayat level to prevent any outbreak of water-borne diseases. He also instructed that daily water testing reports be shared for close monitoring. Further, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Ganderbal was directed to distribute chlorine tablets, especially in water-logged areas, and to ensure wide publicity of health advisories issued by the Health Department. CMO was also directed to ensure adequate availability of essential medicines at all PHCs. The CEO and Heads of higher education institutions were asked to sensitize students about precautionary measures to be adopted at home in post-flood situations.
The DC also instructed the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Municipal authorities to conduct sanitation drives in affected areas. He stressed on intensifying IEC campaigns jointly by RDD, Municipality and Health, particularly through IEC vans in water-logged areas to spread awareness among the general public. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Fahim Bihaqi, SDM Kangan, Programme Officer ICDS, ACD Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and I&FC, CMO, EO MC Ganderbal, besides other concerned officials.
