The Hindu 20.05.2010
Action against local bodies polluting water sources
Staff Reporter
| “Drainage water should not be mixed with water sources” |
THENI: Stern action will be taken against local bodies that pollute drinking water sources in the district.
District administration ordered to stop polluting drinking water sources and advised the local bodies to prevent letting drainage water into drinking water sources, said Collector P. Muthuveeran.
He was addressing a special meeting of representatives and officials in the local bodies in connection with distribution of protected drinking water to residents here on Tuesday.
Drainage water should not be mixed with drinking water sources like rivers and tanks.
“We will take action against local bodies that let out drainage water and dump garbage in water bodies,” he cautioned.
Moreover, panchayats should promote construction of individual toilets and make public use common toilets maintained by Self Help Groups, he added.
Effective campaign on washing of hands after use of toilets should be propagated among people.
Cleaning of tanks
Cleaning of tanks should be intensified.
Representatives of local bodies informed the Collector that cleaning of tanks was being taken up.
Later, TWAD board officials demonstrated the method of chlorinating drinking water and trained panchayat officials and elected representatives of local bodies in this connection.
Presidents and members of village and town panchayats and municipalities took part. Joint Director (epidemic) R. Jayakumar and Director for Public Health R.T. Porkai Pandian advised TWAD and local bodies to work together and chlorinate drinking water properly.
The district administration took series of measures following the breakout of water borne diseases in Bodi, Chinnamanur, Uthamapalayam and Cumbum in the past one week.
Over 800 persons were treated for water borne diseases and also cholera in government hospitals since May 11.
Ten persons had symptoms of cholera, according to health officials.
