Agartala (Tripura), June 29: Close on heels of suspected outbreak of waterborne disease linked to contaminated water supply at Master Para in Agartala, West Tripura District Magistrate (DM) Dr. Vishal Kumar today conducted a crucial field inspection in Agartala’s Master Para area.
The DM was accompanied by officials from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) departments.
The visit, which included interactions with local residents, followed reports of approximately 50 to 52 individuals exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis.
While government data confirmed three positive cases, private sources indicated up to 12 affected persons, the DM told the media.
During his visit, Dr. Kumar participated in a public sensitization program near the Gita Mandir complex in Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Ward No. 32.
This initiative aimed to inform the community about preventive measures and the administration’s steps to ensure safe drinking water.
Residents had earlier reported symptoms of jaundice and hepatitis emerging since June 22, attributing the health issues to a suspected leakage in the main water supply pipeline, leading to contamination of drinking water.
Dr. Kumar directly engaged with the community, acknowledging their health concerns and assuring swift administrative intervention.
In response to the contamination allegations, the DM instructed officials from the DWS department and AMC to conduct a thorough inspection of the water pipelines.
He emphasized the need for immediate replacement of faulty and aging infrastructure.
Furthermore, Dr. Kumar directed Smart City Mission officials to prioritize the safety of water supply lines during ongoing excavation work for drainage projects.
“Water samples were collected and tested to identify the root cause,” Dr. Kumar informed the media. “Initial testing of two types of water samples yielded negative results.
However, the administration has planned to intensity testing quality of the supplied water and emphasized replacement of defective pipes.
He also said, “We have instructed to collect water samples from every affected house. The residents will receive sample collection bottle and they should collect the water in the morning soon after supply starts”.
Meanwhile the administration also highlighted need to follow preventive measures. The DM said, “As a preventive measure, the Chief Medical Officer’s office has advised residents in the affected area to consume boiled water for the next 15 days”.
Dr. Kumar also confirmed that the CMO’s office would ensure an adequate supply of medicines in the affected locality, and the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) would conduct a follow-up health assessment to monitor the situation.
In reply to a query, the DM clarified that, based on current medical and administrative findings, the situation does not meet the criteria for an epidemic classification.
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However, he assured the public that the district administration is maintaining constant surveillance and is committed to taking all necessary actions to mitigate the issue and ensure public health.
Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation as efforts to secure safe drinking water and community well-being remain underway.
