Jaundice outbreak in Pulwama village prompts official investigation

PULWAMA — Concerns escalate in the village of Bellow Dergund, Rajpora area of Pulwama district, as health officials investigate a surge in jaundice cases, particularly among children. The outbreak has prompted urgent action from local authorities following an order issued today by Tehsildar Rajpora.

The order, issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Revenue Department, directs the deployment of a specialized team to conduct comprehensive testing of the drinking water in the affected village. The team, under the supervision of the concerned authorities, is tasked with analyzing potential contaminants and factors contributing to the spread of the disease. A detailed report outlining findings and recommendations for remedial and preventive measures is expected.

A joint visit by health and Public Health Engineering (PHE) department officials, including BMO Rajpora, was conducted on Friday as per the directive of Tehsildar Rajpora. This visit aimed to assess the situation firsthand and address grievances voiced by villagers regarding the jaundice outbreak.

According to reports, the outbreak has resulted in numerous children being admitted to local hospitals including District Hospital Pulwama. This follows a similar incident in March 2024, where nine individuals tested positive for jaundice in the Dergund Bellow area.

Residents attribute the outbreak to contaminated water supplied from a tubewell. Despite promises of a new water supply scheme, locals claim no action has been taken, and the water tank has remained uncleaned for several years.

An official from the Jal Shakti Department clarified that the village previously received water from both a spring and a tubewell. However, the tubewell recently collapsed, leading to concerns over water safety.

As the authorities continue to investigate the outbreak, the situation remains under close scrutiny as officials are tasked to address the immediate health concerns and implement long-term solutions to prevent future outbreaks.