Authorities Close Water Source in J&K’s Rajouri Following 17th Death
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Synopsis
In Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, authorities have sealed a water spring in Budhal village after the 17th victim of a mysterious illness died. Investigations continue as officials seek to determine the cause of the illness affecting three families.
Key Takeaways
- The water spring in Budhal village has been sealed due to contamination.
- 17 individuals, primarily children, have died from a mysterious disease.
- Authorities are investigating potential toxins in the water.
- Security has been heightened to prevent water usage from the contaminated source.
- An inter-ministerial team is probing the situation.
Jammu, Jan 20 (NationPress) Officials announced on Monday the closure of a water spring in Budhal village, located in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, following the death of the 17th individual due to an unidentified illness.
Yasmeen Kousar, the sixth child of Mohammad Aslam from Budhal village, passed away on Sunday at the SMGS hospital in Jammu city.
Previously, Yasmeen’s five siblings had also perished from this enigmatic ailment, leaving doctors and local authorities puzzled even after more than a month.
This mysterious illness first claimed a victim on December 8 of the previous year in Budhal village. All 17 deceased from this illness in the Budhal area of Kotranka sub-division in Rajouri belong to just three families.
Tests conducted at top laboratories, both within and outside the union territory, have shown negative results for any viral or bacterial infections, despite confirming the presence of certain toxins in the samples taken.
Officials indicated that the spring has been sealed after water samples tested positive for pesticides and insecticides.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kotranka subdivision ordered the spring to be closed, with two to three security personnel deployed around the clock at the water source in Budhal village to ensure that no one uses the contaminated water.
"Samples collected from the spring ('bawli') in Budhal village have tested positive for pesticides or insecticides. The concerned magistrate has ordered the sealing of the 'bawli'," stated the Additional Deputy Commissioner.
“There is a concern that the local tribal population might covertly collect water from this spring. Therefore, the tehsildar of Khawas is tasked with preventing any villagers from utilizing this water source,” the order outlined.
The SHO Kandi has been instructed to assign two to three security personnel to monitor the 'Bawli' spring continuously to avert the usage of its water. “This matter is of utmost urgency for public health and safety,” he remarked.
A total of 17 individuals from three interrelated families have died under unexplained conditions in the village since December 7. Among the deceased, 13 were children aged between three and 15.
On Sunday, an inter-ministerial team, formed under the directives of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, arrived in Budhal to investigate the underlying causes of this tragedy, and police have initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to explore any potential criminal aspects.
