Andhra Pradesh government takes action to control diarrhoea outbreak in Vizianagaram district
In response to a diarrhoea outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of four individuals in Gurla mandal, approximately 20 km from the Vizianagaram district headquarters; the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a series of measures aimed at controlling the situation.
Authorities have ordered the closure of open bore wells in the village after the rural water supply and health departments identified contaminated water as the primary cause of the outbreak, which has hospitalised nearly 140 people. Those affected are receiving treatment at a special medical camp established in the village.
Uma Shankar, the Superintending Engineer of the Rural Water Supply department, stated that water samples from five private bore wells have been collected and sent to laboratories for testing. "We expect to receive the reports within a few days. The department will take necessary actions to ensure the supply of purified water in all other areas to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases," he said.
To address the immediate needs of the residents, purified water in cans is being distributed to all households, alongside a special sanitation drive. Officials are also distributing packets of bleaching powder to help purify water at home, and all fish and meat shops in the village and surrounding areas have been closed as a precautionary measure.
District Medical and Health Officer Bhaskara Rao informed the media that patients are advised not to return home immediately, as they require observation for a few more days. "The number of cases has increased from an initial 80 to 140. However, the situation is now under control," he noted, emphasizing that diarrhoea is communicable, which necessitates continued monitoring.
D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Chairperson of the A.P. State ST Commission and a medical professional, urged district officials to maintain the medical camp for an additional week to ensure complete normalcy in the village. He engaged with senior medical staff to inquire about the treatment being administered to patients. District Collector B.R. Ambedkar has also submitted a detailed report to the government outlining the measures taken to restore normalcy in the affected village.
Meanwhile, Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad Chairperson Majji Srinivasa Rao recommended extending the special sanitation drive to all villages, as reports of waterborne diseases have emerged in multiple locations.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka cabinet approves formation of separate Dharwad Municipal Corporation
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a formation of separate Dharwad city corporation. Alongside, a 15% hike in fares across the four state transport corporations was also approved. The revised fares will come into effect on January 5.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, addressing the media at the Committee Hall of Vidhana Soudha, provided details about the decision. He explained that the last fare revision for BMTC was a decade ago when diesel cost Rs 60.98 per litre. Since then, operational costs have risen significantly.
Diesel expenditure for the four corporations has increased from Rs 9.16 crore to Rs 13.21 crore, and personnel costs have grown from Rs 12.85 crore to Rs 18.36 crore. The daily operational burden now stands at Rs 9.56 crore. The fare hike is expected to generate an additional Rs 74.85 crore in monthly revenue without burdening the state exchequer, as Rs 5,015 crore has already been allocated for the Shakti Yojana this fiscal year.
Minister Patil announced that the Cabinet has decided to bifurcate the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation into two independent municipal bodies.
The Cabinet approved the construction of a fishing port in Hejamady village, Udupi, with a revised estimate of Rs 209.13 crore. Additionally, Rs 84.57 crore has been sanctioned for the modernization and dredging of fishing ports.
In a move to strengthen cow shelters, Rs 10.50 crore has been allocated for projects in 14 districts. The Cabinet also approved constructing a building for Visvesvaraya Technical University in Chikkaballapur district at Rs 149.75 crore.
The Cabinet sanctioned a state-of-the-art bus stand in Bannimantap, Mysuru, at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Spread over 14 acres, the facility will include a divisional office, bus units, and commercial shops.
Approval was also granted to utilize Rs 137.85 crore, provided by the Union Finance Ministry under the Special Capital Assistance Scheme, for capital expenditure.
The Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board will use Rs 56.92 crore from its SCP/TSP scheme to supply bed sheets, mosquito nets, and clothing to government residential schools and hostels.
The Cabinet approved Rs 100 crore to construct new buildings for 200 veterinary institutions currently housed in rented or dilapidated structures, using NABARD assistance.
In Davangere, a site was allotted to the Karnataka Working Journalists' Association for constructing a civic facility. A plot in Avaragere village was also leased for 30 years at a concessional rate to Nayaka Vidyarthi Nilaya.
