LUDHIANA: Refusing to take any lesson from the spread of water-borne diseases — gastroentritis and diarrhoea — the authorities have not taken any steps to check the unhygienic conditions prevailing at Punjabi Bagh, Gyaspura, Focal Point and other areas.

According to information, while on one hand, the municipal corporation authorities, health department and district administration boast of making joint efforts to launch awareness drives, on the other they have failed to improve the quality of water supplied and clean the sewerage system.

Most of the people inhabiting these areas are natives of other states, who have not taken proper sewerage and water connection from the municipal authorities.

Out of the over 400 cases that were reported from Punjabi Bagh in 2009, 74 were declared severe by the health department. Water samples collected from the area had also failed the purity test.

Similarly, Gyaspura is yet another prone area. Around 250 cases were reported in 2006, 400 in 2007, 100 in 2008, and none in 2009. Hence, the officials adopted a relaxed approach, resulting in cases being reported this year.
Sources said though the authorities claim to have made arrangements to ensure cleanliness and potable water supply, residents allege they were not being provided with any civic amenities.

Dr Chanchal, assistant professor of Christian Medical College and Hospital, said, “Around 10 cases are being reported on an average at the hospital daily.”

Talking to TOI, MC medical officer Dr Charanjit Uppal said they were planning to start awareness camps in these localities.

As most of the officials are busy in census duty, the drive has not been able to take off yet, he added.