Rajouri/Jammu, Jul 2: Authorities in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir have sealed five natural springs in Dhar Sakri village of Kotranka sub-division following a gastroenteritis and diarrhoea outbreak that has claimed two lives and left several others ill over the past week.
According to officials, two of the springs tested positive for E. Coli—a harmful bacteria that can lead to intestinal and urinary infections—prompting immediate closure as a safety measure.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Rajouri, Dr. Manohar Lal Rana, reported around 40 cases from Sakri and one from Tralla village over the last five days. Tragically, two women—one aged 75 with comorbidities from Sakri, and another aged 40 from Tralla suffering from acute dehydration and multi-organ failure—succumbed during this period.
In response, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma visited the affected areas and coordinated efforts with medical and water testing teams. Samples collected from the springs and a tap connection showed E. Coli presence in two springs, though tap water was found safe.
Authorities have now sealed and treated the contaminated springs, while launching awareness campaigns to caution locals against using untreated water. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) department has chlorinated the affected springs and is ensuring safe drinking water supply for the residents. (Agencies)
