300 people affected by gastroenteritis

LUDHIANA: The ghost of gastroenteritis became alive as about 300 persons got affected including one death in the past fortnight in densely populated localities in the city shattering Ludhiana municipal corporation''s claims of safe drinking water supply.
The residents of affected localities of Vijay Nagar and Amarpura complained of contaminated water supply for last about a month.But no action was taken despite regular information to the authorities including area councillors.
Dr Alka Mittal who examined about 300 affected persons in both localities on Saturday told TNN that situation may assume epidemic proportions if no immediate remedial action was taken by the MC regarding safe supply of water. The worst-hit residents of Vijay Nagar in ward number 56 from where about 200 persons were examined for diarrhoea, vomiting and abdomen pain.
Though no case was referred to the hospital on Saturday but as per Dr Mittal a minor girl of house number 547 at Amarpura expired at CMC hospital about a fortnight ago due to the problem. The minor''s death failed to move the authorities.
Even elected representatives turned a blind eye, alleged the residents. Nirmal Singh of street number 2 of Vijay Nagar alleged their council Malkit Kaur always sent her son to the area instead of visiting personally. The dirty water emitting a foul smell was being supplied when TNN team visited the spot.
"It''s been going on for the past one month," said Ramesh Chander whose daughter was affected. Another resident Hari Singh, discharged from the hospital about five days ago, became gastroenteritis victim again. The water connection disconnected about fortnight ago at two places failed to rectify the situation.
About 40 residents of the street alone are affected. Though MC sent a water tanker to the area but disconnection of doubtful connections could not be done till late afternoon. Non-availability of concerned MC staff due to weekend holiday came in the way, said MC junior engineer of MC Ranbir Singh when asked.
Finally, some private hand was brought to do the needful. This exposes the claims of MC commissioner who through a written note had informed that staff could be requisitioned even on holidays during the ongoing drive to prevent gastroenteritis menace. Two medical teams deputed by civil surgeon office distributed ORS powder packets and chlorine tablets for water purification.