Garbage, open manholes breeding ground for gastroenteritis

Drinking water from man-made pits dug illegally is one of the reasons for breakout of gastroenteritis among slum dwellers in Okalipuram.

The BBMP and BWSSB officials, in a joint operation on Wednesday, found that sanitary pipes and water pipelines in the area criss-crossed with each other contaminating drinking water.

Dr R Surendra, Palike deputy health officer, during the inspection, found that 5th Main Road in Okalipuram reeked with filth.

“Two manholes were overflowing in the area. In such a scenario, breakout of gastroenteritis seems like a norm,” he added.

As many as 16 cases of gastroenteritis were reported from Okalipuram. A majority of them, who were admitted to a hospital, have been discharged.

As a preventive measure, ORS packets have been distributed to residents. Also, they have been directed to drink boiled water, said Dr Surendra. “Despite having metered water connections, the residents have dug pits below the drinking water pipelines to draw water illegally. Moreover, the pits are not protected. Close proximity of water and sanitary pipelines, digging of illegal pits and unclean environs result in water contamination,” said G M Lakshminarasimhaiah, assistant engineer, BWSSB.

Moreover, 60 per cent of houses in Okalipuram do not have authorised water connections. Soon, the Board will take steps to regularise the connections, said Lakshminarasimhaiah.