DC Pulwama convenes meeting on prevention of water-borne diseases, water quality testing in flood-affected areas

Kupwara : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Thursday chaired a meeting at the Administrative Complex Pulwama to review measures for preventing water-borne diseases and intensifying water quality testing across the district in the wake of recent incessant rains and floods.
At the outset, DC sought details from Executive Engineers regarding the current status of water supply schemes (WSS) and overall supply across the district.
It was informed that restoration of disrupted WSS is underway and expected to be completed within 24 hours. Meanwhile, water tankers have been deployed to ensure adequate supply in the affected areas.
During the meeting, DC emphasized the immediate urgent need for a sustained campaign across the district, focusing on preventive measures against water-borne diseases, safe water consumption, and public awareness.
Dr. Qayoom directed the Jal Shakti department to carry out intensive water quality testing on a daily basis in all flood-affected areas, with special attention to high-risk contamination zones. He further instructed the Executive Engineers to deploy special teams under the supervision of AEs and JEs for continuous monitoring of water quality.
DC also directed them to deploy subdivision-wise mobile vans for announcements on safe drinking water practices.
Health department was asked to issue timely alerts on possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases and to keep concerned agencies informed. He further directed the Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama, to mobilize ASHA workers for door-to-door awareness campaigns on safe drinking water usage.
Similarly, DC directed the Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama, to conduct special sanitation drives particularly at traditional drinking water sources and supply assets, in coordination with the Jal Shakti department.
Education Department was instructed to organize awareness campaigns and live demonstrations of water testing in schools and colleges, while the Social Welfare department was tasked with mobilizing Anganwadi centres for community-level awareness on hygiene and sanitation.
DC also directed department to undertake water testing in educational institutions and Anganwadi centres.
Dr. Qayoom further stressed that close inter-departmental coordination, timely action, and community participation are key to preventing any outbreak of diseases in the aftermath of floods.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama; Chief Education Officer, Pulwama; Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama; Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti & Irrigation; & District Social Welfare Officer, Pulwama