Early Times Report
POONCH, Oct 2: At least four people lost their lives while over 70 others were taken ill after allegedly drinking contaminated water in Mandi area of Poonch.
Although government claims to be providing clean potable water, in reality, the locals were dying due to contaminated water, official sources alleged.
While Razia Kousar (45) and Kaloo Khan (80) died on September 12, Ahmed Din (65) died on September 15 and Fatima Jan (55) died on September 25. All the four dead were residents of Bandi Kama Khan, Mandi.
Sources said Chief Medical Officer, Dr Niaz Ahmed, Block Medical Office, Mandi, Dr Mushtaq Hussain Shah, DHO, Dr Shamim Bhatti and CDPO Parveen visited the spot to look into the matter.
Sources said people of the area had been receiving water coming from a local spring. PHE executive engineer Abdul Qyoom also visited the spot. Medical teams were said to have picked up water samples for examination.
Sources said more than 70 locals were suffering from loose motions. Of the 10 serious persons, two were referred to the GMCH, Jammu. They were identified as Arsha Bi (70) and Shabir Ahmed (23).
When contacted, the BMO said the matter was under investigation. |
