Jaundice drive: Vats to be constructed in slums in Odisha capital

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 22:

Taking initiative in the wake of jaundice scare in slum areas of Odisha capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to construct vats replacing wells for drinking water.

After the authorities were confirmed about the cause of outbreak of water-borne disease, the BMC yesterday decided to launch the drive by constructing vats at Munda Sahi. Later, it will be set up in other slums in the city.

The construction of vats is underway at Munda Sahi. Also, the big water tanks would be constructed in Salia Sahi. In view of possible infection, Mayor Anant Narayan Jena has directed to close the wells at Salia Sahi, sources said.

On the other hand, the BMC has decided to provide piped drinking water to some houses at Subas Nagar slum. During visit to the slum yesterday accompanied by PHD ADMO and other officials, Jena attended an awareness meeting to address women community to deal with jaundice.

Notably, over 10 persons have been affected by jaundice at Salia Sahi after Munda Sahi in the city.

According to BMC sources, water sample from some storage tanks at Salia Sahi has been collected and sent to PHD laboratory for examination. The door to door survey is being conducted about jaundice outbreak. The halogen tablets and leaflets are being distributed in the slum for public awareness and to deal with the disease.