Chandigarh, July 16  Taking a very serious view of outbreak of Diarrhoea in couple of towns in the State, Chief Secretary Mr Anurag Verma on Tuesday took an emergency meeting with all the Deputy Commissioners in the State. Senior officers from the concerned departments, Commissioner of Municipal Corporations, ADCs (Urban Development), XENs, EOs, and Civil Surgeons also attended the meeting. 

          In the meeting  Verma said that Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued very clear directions that all the Municipal Corporations and Municipal Committees must ensure that 100% contamination free drinking water is available in their respective jurisdictions.

Directed the DCs, Commissioner Municipal Corporations

He directed the Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner Municipal Corporations (CMC), and Executive Officers(EO) to personally visit the vulnerable areas and slums in their jurisdiction.

 Verma instructed the Secretary of Local Government to ensure that all CMCs and EOs certify the supply of contamination-free water in their respective areas wherever there is a possibility of drinking water contamination.”

Verma directed Principal Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation to conduct similar exercise in the Rural areas. The Chief Secretary directed all XENs and SDOs to personally visit every village, particularly focusing on vulnerable areas. The Principal Secretary of Water Supply and Sanitation was instructed to ensure that all XENs and SDOs provide certificates confirming contamination-free water supply across their respective jurisdictions.

 Diarrhoea Spread :Double the number of water samples taken.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann directed Verma, Secretary of Health, to double the number of water samples taken. He emphasized focusing particularly on slums and vulnerable areas. If any sample fails, promptly inform the concerned Deputy Commissioner to take necessary action against the responsible water supply officer. Affected areas should receive immediate potable water through tankers, along with an adequate supply of chlorine tablets.

Ensure free and proper treatment of persons

Verma also directed Secretary Health to ensure free and proper treatment of persons who have fallen ill so far. He directed the DCs to closely monitor the situation on daily basis and ensure strict implementation of above directions. “He emphasized zero tolerance for any laxity on this front.”

The meeting included Financial Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Alok Shekhar, Principal Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Nilkanth S Avhad, Secretary Health Dr Abhinav, Secretary Local Government Ravi Bhagat, and Director Local Government Uma Shankar Gupta.