Incessant rain turns forest into malaria zone

RANCHI: Though there were lapses on the part of the security forces in understanding the geographical condition of one of the most treacherous terrains of the country, they nevertheless moved ahead and reclaimed the Saranda forests from the grip of the Maoists.
However, over 150 jawans became victims of malaria and one even died while on way to hospital.The entire forest cover is swampy and provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Poor sunlight and incessant rains worsen the situation. The 20 days of non-stop rains had made redundant malarial drugs and mosquito repellent creams. Over 150 jawans were rushed to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science and Apollo for treatment. Security forces were given alternative medicines and other precautionary gears like netted hats and gloves.
The forests were heavily mined by the Maoists. Over 50 live IEDs were recovered from different routes and over 500 kg of ammonium nitrate, used in IEDs, was recovered along with 310 detonators. "We are taking every possible care of the jawans and as soon as any person complains of health problem or are injured, we airlift him," said CRPF DIG (operation) Bhanu Pratap Singh.
DGP G S Rath said the operation yielded positive results. "But the health conditions of the jawans will not be compromised with at any cost," said Rath.