Date:20/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042050020100.htm

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Be on guard against contaminated water

Shastry V. Mallady

Health Department cautions devotees in Madurai

— Photo: G. Moorthy

Action Plan: Training programme for newly appointed health officers under way in Madurai on Saturday.

MADURAI: The health and sanitation wing of the Corporation has been put on alert as thousands of devotees congregated here to watch the entry of Lord Kallalagar into the Vaigai on Sunday.

Officials of the State Health Department and Directorate of Public Health have issued a public alert asking people to be careful with regard to drinking water in order to avoid water-borne diseases.

Additional Director of Public Health S. Elango, who held a meeting with health officials at the Corporation on Saturday, told The Hindu that instructions were given to City Health Officer V. Subramanian to have strict surveillance in place on both drinking water and food.

“Normally, when thousands of people gather to witness a temple event, we anticipate water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea or cholera. The health officer has been asked to ensure good sanitation,” he said.

Deputy Director of Health Services A. Palanichamy, in a message, urged the people reaching the Vaigai not to consume raw river water and drink only protected chlorinated water supplied by the Corporation. According to Mr. Subramanian, the civic body had already put in place a vigilant sanitation team to oversee the aspects of cleanliness/public health till the end of the Chithirai festival.

The Corporation would take care of water supply and public convenience all along the route Lord Alagar took, he said and added that sanitary inspectors were working in shifts.

Orientation programme

A public health orientation course was conducted for 31 newly appointed health officers for various local bodies in the State. Addressing the officers, Dr. Elango saidthat health managers must know everything about disease prevention, control and treatment, besides solid waste management. They should be aware of public health measures to be taken during notified festivals such as Chithirai festival in Madurai.