Mysterious Deaths: Several Budhal families isolated, shifted to Nursing College Rajouri

SRINAGAR — After four more people from Budhal village were hospitalized due to a mysterious illness, the government on late Wednesday evening shifted several families, who were in close contact with the deceased or sick persons, to an isolation centre.

An unnamed official, quoted by the news agency KNO, said that around 40 persons were moved to the isolation centre set up at Government Nursing College Rajouri. He said that the authorities have made arrangements to accommodate 100 persons in the centre.

As per an order issued by District Magistrate Rajouri, a comprehensive surveillance plan has been implemented with different departments directed to make arrangements for people in the centre.

The order reads, “SSP Rajouri will ensure necessary security arrangements at Govt Nursing College Rajouri and also deploy police personnel for monitoring and keeping strict restrictions on unauthorized entry/exit movements.”

“Principal GMC Rajouri has been tasked to ensure the camping of a Team of Doctors (24×7) at the Govt Nursing College Rajouri, CEO Rajouri will arrange 100 single-bedded mattresses and 100 beds and the Deputy District Election Officer will ensure the installation of CCTV cameras over the kitchen and ensure its proper functioning and Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Rajouri will provide toothbrushes, paste, soap and hair oil as per requirement,” the order reads.

It reads, “The CMO Rajouri will ensure that a medical team of officials and an ambulance are stationed at Nursing College immediately. He will also keep the necessary medicines available. He will ensure that the medicines, if any, being taken by any person are checked properly and replaced with quality medicines if required.”

The order adds, “Executive Engineer JKPDCL will ensure that electricity supply is maintained properly and all switches and light/socket points are functional in the Govt Nursing College. Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Rajouri has been directed to make all necessary arrangements for drinking water, water for washroom usage and other allied activities, accounts officer DC Office Rajouri and Assistant Director Food have been directed to make arrangements for mattresses (300), pillows (300), bedsheets (300) and blankets (1000), and will ensure availability of cooked food for the shifted families in Nursing College Rajouri and baby food (Cerelac etc) and milk as per requirement on a daily basis.”

“Executive Officer MC Rajouri will arrange 100 single-bedded mattresses and 50 beds for the families, ensure daily cleanliness and function of toilets including installation of mobile toilets as per requirement and will also provide dustbins at both floors,” it added.

“Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Rajouri has been directed to ensure proper testing of food and water before serving while Principal Govt HSS Rajouri and other officers have been directed to be stationed at the centre and keep a record of all items,” the order reads.

Pertinently, 17 people have lost their lives while many are ill in Budhal area of Rajouri district due to a mysterious illness.