Bhubaneswar: In response to a reported rise in diarrhoea cases across several districts, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department, under the direction of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, has issued an urgent advisory to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and district-level officials.
The advisory mandates immediate preventive and response measures, emphasizing heightened vigilance and real-time monitoring of all water sources, particularly in vulnerable urban areas. Senior officers are instructed to maintain close engagement with the ground situation and promptly report any clusters or patterns of widespread cases.
Smt. Padhee underscored the critical importance of prevention and swift action to protect communities and curb the spread of the disease. She also highlighted the necessity of a coordinated field response in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare Department.
Key directives issued by the H&UD Department include:
- Immediate inspection and sanitisation of drinking water sources: This is crucial to prevent contamination, which is a major cause of diarrhoeal diseases.
- Identification and rapid response to potential hotspots: Prompt action in areas with high incidence can help contain outbreaks.
- Close coordination with Health Department teams: Collaborative efforts are essential for effective surveillance, treatment, and public health interventions.
- Sensitisation of field staff and community engagement on hygiene practices: Educating the public on safe practices like handwashing and consuming safe water is vital for long-term prevention.
In addition to these directives, the department is facilitating emergency water quality checks, intensifying sanitation drives, and launching public awareness campaigns. These initiatives are particularly important during the pre-monsoon period, when the risk of waterborne diseases tends to increase due to potential contamination of water sources from heavy rainfall and overflowing sewage systems.
Citizens are strongly advised to remain vigilant, consume only safe drinking water (preferably boiled or filtered), and report any symptoms of diarrhoea immediately to the nearest health facility or urban Health Officials. This proactive approach aims to safeguard public health and prevent further outbreaks.