Rajouri, in response to an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the villages of Kotli Bagla and Dhar Sakri, the Office of the Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Rajouri has issued an urgent advisory, urging residents to adopt safe drinking water practices during the ongoing monsoon season.
The advisory, issued in the interest of public health, recommends several preventive measures. “In view of the prevailing Monsoon and incidence of eruption of Gastroenteritis cases, the General Public is hereby advised to use safe drinking water during Monsoon Season 2025,” reads the circular a copy of which lies with media.
Key directives include using only tapped water provided by the Jal Shakti Department, and in cases where water is sourced from springs, bowlies, or other open sources, it should be boiled for at least five minutes after reaching a full boil. “Use boiled or chlorinated water to prevent contamination,” it advises.
The public has also been requested to report any leakage in pipelines or suspected water issues to the department for prompt action. In addition, citizens are urged to regularly clean their personal water storage tanks and have their water tested at authorized testing labs within the district.
Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti (PHE) Divisions Rajouri and Nowshera have been directed to ensure chlorination of all local water bodies—including GSRs, sump tanks, reservoirs, springs, and bowlies—and to mobilize testing teams to conduct large-scale water sampling at the village, block, and panchayat levels.
“Your safety is our priority. Please stay alert and act responsibly,” the advisory reads..
This directive comes amid heightened concerns over waterborne diseases during the monsoon season and aims to safeguard public health through proactive water safety and hygiene measures.
