Gastroenteritis cases reported in Jagti, Nagrota migrant camps; water testing ordered

Jammu, Jan 07: Authorities in Jammu have ordered urgent testing of drinking water samples in Jagti and Nagrota migrant camps following reports of gastroenteritis cases, official documents reveal.

The Office of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu, has directed the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Migrant Camps Jagti and Nagrota, to immediately collect and test water samples from both camps to ascertain the cause of the illness.

In an official communication, the department said the samples must be examined for microbial contamination, including coliform bacteria, as well as for physical and chemical impurities. The matter has been marked as most urgent, indicating concerns over public health and safety.

The letter states that findings of the laboratory analysis should be shared with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner’s office at the earliest. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that the drinking water supplied to the camps is safe and free from microbes and other harmful impurities.

Officials said the directive follows reported cases of gastroenteritis among inhabitants of the migrant camps, prompting fears of possible water contamination.

The migrant camps at Jagti and Nagrota house a large number of displaced families, and officials said timely testing and corrective measures are crucial to prevent further spread of water-borne diseases. [KNT]