CS calls emergency meeting, asks dept to provide clean potable water

ITANAGAR, Jul 27:In the wake of sudden spurt in water borne diseases within the twin capital city due to water crisis, Chief Secretary, Shakuntala Gamlin on Wednesday  called an emergency meeting of top officials of Public Health Engineering Department & Health Department to review the preparedness for prevention and control of water-borne diseases.

Threadbare discussions were also held in order to address prevailing situation of acute water scarcity within Itanagar and Naharlagun.

Impressing on immediate measures to be taken on war footing to mitigate the suffering to the public due to potable water scarcity, the CS directed the officials to ensure water supply remains normal in hospitals, railway station, secretariat, Raj Bhawan including educational institutions etc.

“The tankers carrying water in sintex should be clean and sanitized with chlorine each day before supplying to the households,” she emphasized.

She instructed the health department to strictly monitor the outbreaks and be ready with a control room with a triage centre with adequate stock of medicines and ORS to check all diarrhoeal and dysentery cases in both RKMH and TRIHMS hospitals.

Citing that early action and awareness is the only way to prevent outbreaks, Gamlin asked the Health Department and district administration to conduct aggressive campaigns through media, radio etc among the public about safe drinking water and to maintain personal hygiene.

Taking stock of the damaged pipelines, the CS emphasized on the importance of having a solid system or  alternative back-ups for ensuring lasting solution for twin capital, which can stand firm during monsoon rain and other natural calamities.

In this regard, CS instructed the PH&WS department to explore the possibility of constructing pipelines underneath the river bed to avoid aerial and over ground damages to pipelines.

She pointed out that the parallel systems can also apply at places that are vulnerable to disruption and damage during monsoon, so that if one fails the alternative system can take over.

She directed the department to consult experts and come out with detailed suggestions in the matter.

Earlier, Commissioner, (PH&WS) informed the house that, heavy damages have occurred to the water supply lines of both twin capitals.

He also told CS, as the extent of damages is very high in water pipelines in Naharlagun, it may take at least six to nine months to restore normalcy.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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