As waterborne diseases rise, govt takes measures ahead of Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Keeping Rath Yatra in mind, the state govt on Wednesday reviewed the public health bodies' preparedness following the recent cases of waterborne disease in some districts.
A high-level meeting, chaired by housing and urban development secretary Usha Padhee, was held in Puri, focusing on strengthening measures to ensure clean drinking water, safe food and overall hygiene in Puri during the annual festival.
According to a decision taken during the meeting, the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) will carry out random testing of water samples from both public and private sources, including overhead tanks, tube wells and packaged water units.
To support on-the-spot testing, a mobile lab-on-wheel will be stationed in Puri.
"Disinfection of all water sources is being done and will be intensified further in the coming days. In addition, jalasathis will collect water samples directly from households for testing, which is expected to expand surveillance coverage and build confidence among the citizens regarding water safety," the official statement from the housing and urban development department said.
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Food safety officers are actively inspecting restaurants, hotels and street food vendors to ensure hygiene. In view of the heavy footfall expected during Rath Yatra, the department has requested the health department to deploy additional food safety officers to strengthen inspections across the city, the department's official statement stated.
Puri municipality has been asked to intensify campaigns on safe drinking water and hygienic food through loudspeaker announcements. Following this, enforcement teams will conduct checks on unhygienic practices and littering, particularly in areas around the beach.
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