Life has returned to normal in Dhalgaon Khairi village of Saoner taluka, Nagpur, after a brief health scare triggered by suspected contamination of the drinking water supply. District health authorities have confirmed that the situation is fully under control, with no fresh cases of diarrhoea or other water-related illnesses reported since January 8.
Pipeline Leaks Trigger Health Alert
The incident first came to light on January 3 when a leakage was detected in a water pipeline near the village's water tank. The local gram panchayat undertook repairs the very next day, on January 4. However, the situation was complicated on January 5 when a second pipeline, connected to the tap water supply scheme, was damaged. This occurred near the house of a resident, Rajesh Movade, after a tractor carrying an electric pole passed over it. This pipeline was also promptly repaired.
Swift Health Department Response
Following reports of potential water contamination, the district health machinery launched a swift response. District Health Officer Dr. Rajkumar P Gahlot stated that an on-ground survey was conducted and a medical camp was set up immediately. "Between January 4 and 7, a total of 11 patients complained of stomach pain. As of January 8, no new patient was found during surveys. There is no outbreak situation in the village," Dr. Gahlot clarified.
He also addressed and dismissed higher patient figures circulating in some media reports. "These figures relate to beneficiaries examined during a health camp at Khapa primary health centre. They included routine BP checks, sugar & general complaints such as body aches. These are not cases caused by contaminated water," he explained, emphasizing that the numbers were misinterpreted.
Monitoring and Preventive Measures
To prevent any escalation, health authorities took several decisive steps:
- A permanent health team was stationed in the village for round-the-clock monitoring.
- All identified patients responded well to treatment, and no serious illness was detected.
- The gram panchayat was instructed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water.
- Regular chlorination of drinking water sources was initiated as a key precautionary measure.
Dr. Gahlot also issued an advisory to villagers, urging them not to panic. He recommended boiling drinking water for at least 10-15 minutes, maintaining the cleanliness of water storage vessels, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain appear.
"The situation in Dhalgaon Khairi is completely under control. Citizens should remain alert but not anxious. The health department is available 24x7 for assistance," Dr. Gahlot reassured the public. With repairs completed, health surveillance intensified, and no new cases, officials have declared that the village has successfully overcome the scare.
