BJD raises alarm over diarrhoea crisis in Puri district
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Synopsis
On January 21, the opposition BJD in Odisha voiced concerns about a diarrhoea outbreak in the Kanas block of Puri district, calling for rapid governmental action to combat the disease's spread. The situation has escalated, with fatalities reported, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention and public awareness efforts.
Key Takeaways
- BJD expresses serious concern over diarrhoea outbreak.
- Naveen Patnaik urges government action and medical support.
- Four lives lost in Kanas block due to the outbreak.
- Call for construction of sewage treatment plants remains unaddressed.
- Health Minister assures vigilance in managing the crisis.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 21 (NationPress) The opposition Biju Janata Dal in Odisha raised alarms on Tuesday regarding the diarrhoea epidemic in the Kanas block of Puri district, urging the government for swift action to halt the disease's spread.
“The situation is deteriorating instead of improving. Lives are being lost due to diarrhoea, jeopardizing the health and safety of the community. Immediate government intervention is crucial,” stated the Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on his X handle.
“The government must mobilize a special medical team to the affected regions to manage the crisis,” he added. The LoP emphasized the need for a comprehensive door-to-door awareness campaign to educate the public.
Considering every life vital, LoP Patnaik urged collective action and cooperation with the administration to regain control over the situation. In a separate statement, BJD leader Umakanta Samantaray criticized the state government for its alleged negligence towards the severe conditions in Kanas block.
During a press briefing, Samantaray reported that four individuals in the block have succumbed to the diarrhoea outbreak in the past ten days. He noted that the previous BJD administration had initiated plans for constructing significant sewage treatment plants to prevent wastewater from contaminating the Daya River via Gangua Nullah.
Samantaray further claimed that since the BJP government took office, no progress has been made, forcing residents in Kanas block to rely on the polluted waters of the Daya River.
It is important to highlight that the sewage generated in Bhubaneswar city flows through natural drains into the Ganga Nullah on the outskirts, subsequently discharging this waste into the Daya River, located 10 km away. The residents of Kanas block depend heavily on the Daya River for various needs.
Samantaray accused the state government of neglecting to provide adequate medical facilities in the diarrhoea-stricken areas. He also criticized Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling for not yet visiting the affected communities.
He demanded a financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and called for measures to ensure safe drinking water in the region.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Mahaling stated that CM Majhi has instructed him to stay alert regarding the situation and ensure that the diarrhoea outbreak is contained. He mentioned that following reports of the outbreak, a health department team promptly visited the area to assess the circumstances. Official sources report that one individual has died, and 71 others have been affected across five villages in Kanas block due to the diarrhoea outbreak.
