DC Udhampur reviews measures to prevent water-borne diseases post heavy rains, floods

Saloni directs water quality testing, spreading public awareness in affected areas
Udhampur : To discuss preventive measures against water-borne diseases in the aftermath of recent heavy rains and floods, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai Thursday chaired a meeting of officers of line departments in the Mini Conference Hall DC Office Complex.
The meeting was attended by IAS Probationer Seerat Baji; Chief Planning Officer Uttam Singh; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Dr Ashwani Hansa and other senior officers.
The DC emphasized the urgent need for intensive water quality testing, public awareness campaigns and effective sanitation drives, particularly in flood and landslide-affected areas. She directed concerned officers to ensure that safe potable water is made available to all affected families.
Jal Shakti Department was directed to undertake regular water testing and ensure chlorination of all water supply schemes.
The Health & Medical Education Department was directed to organize awareness drives on safe drinking water and distribute chlorine tablets at the community level.
Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj to educate people on safe sanitation and hygiene practices under the WASH program. The Education Department was directed to involve schools and colleges in spreading awareness through students and special cleanliness drives. Besides, the DC calls for using Mobile awareness vans, radio and TV jingles to be used for disseminating advisories regarding safe water consumption and disease prevention.
The DC further stressed on close inter-departmental coordination, timely reporting of field-level issues and regularly sharing water testing results.
The DC also appealed to the general public to avoid consuming water directly from flood-affected sources, adopt proper water purification practices and strictly follow advisories issued by the District Administration.