Jhumpura: Even as water crisis is deepening with onset of summer in some remote and hilly parts of Keonjhar district, consumption of contaminated water supplied though drinking water projects have triggered diarrhoea in Hatibari and Naupani villages under Jhumpura block.
Over 40 people affected by diarrhoea were admitted to the Jhumpura and Champua hospitals, a report said.
Meanwhile, a medical team and health workers visited the two villages Thursday. The team has provided medicines and bleaching powder to the villagers to apply it in water tanks.
Five more people affected by diarrhoea in Hatibari were admitted to the Jhumpura hospital. Locals of Hatibari and Naupani were scared as the water-borne disease has been spreading.
Villagers of Hatibari — Sabitri Champia, Mukta Champia, Sushama Champia, Rashmi Champia, Surya Munda, Ajit Munda and Sanatan Munda alleged that the water being supplied by the drinking water projects in their area has become contaminated as overhead tanks have not been cleaned.
Besides, underground pipelines have broken. Due to leakages, water is being polluted. They also pointed out that overhead tanks have not been cleaned over years.
Health officials have camped in two villages and are treating people. Medical officer of Jhumpura CHC, Dr PK Pati said that samples of drinking water from water tanks and have been sent for tests.
BDO BK Nayak said that the RWSS has been asked to clean the tanks and repair the pipelines.
PNN
