Maharashtra issues advisory to civic bodies to prevent outbreak of waterborne diseases during monsoon

Mumbai city news: According to the advisory, the civic bodies should inspect water samples to find out the level of contamination and take necessary measures.

With the rains expected to hit the state coastline in June, the Maharashtra government has issued a 14-point advisory to all local bodies in the state listing the precautions that need to be taken to prevent outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The advisory was sent to all local bodies in the state. (File photo)

The advisory suggests water purification methods, cleanliness near dams and water supply lines, proper monitoring of the water supply system, and other steps.

The rainy season also brings a rise in cases of cholera, typhoid, dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, etc. Some of them are water-borne and supply of dirty water is the main reason for the spread.

To avoid this situation, the state water supply and sanitation department’s advisory suggests some 14 measures. The circular issued on Wednesday says that the local bodies should inspect water samples to find out the level of contamination and take appropriate measures. They have also asked for a report on the same.

The advisory prescribes regular checks of the drainage system, cleanliness drives at mosquito breeding grounds, adequate stock of bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite solution and alum, and repair of supply lines. It also asks the local bodies to ensure that pipelines don’t run through gutters and drains.

Talking to HT, medical officers at KEM hospital said that there had been a spike in the number of patients suffering from water borne disease due to consumption of street juices and contaminated ice. “The issues may worsen with the first showers because, vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria will also rise,” said a doctor.