Water source in Budhal sealed amid health crisis as mysterious illness claims lives, security deployed to prevent access.
In a decisive move to safeguard public health, authorities in Kotranka, Rajouri, on Sunday ordered the complete sealing of the Bawli spring in Budhal village after water samples tested positive for pesticide or insecticide contamination. The alarming discovery comes amidst a mysterious health crisis that has already claimed the lives of 17 young locals, prompting joint investigations by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and central agencies.
Acting on the water test results, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kotranka directed the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division Rajouri to block and seal the spring, a vital water source for the tribal population of Budhal. "The matter is most urgent in the interest of public health and safety," the ADM stated in the official order.
To ensure compliance, the Tehsildar of Khawas has been instructed to prevent all villagers from accessing the contaminated water, while the SHO of Police Station Kandi has deployed security personnel around the clock at the spring to thwart any attempts to collect water stealthily.
The contamination has sparked fears of a broader public health crisis, with locals expressing distress over the unexplained deaths and the sudden barring of their primary water source. Many have raised questions about the source of the pesticides or insecticides, as the administration works to trace the origin of the contamination.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter monitoring of water resources in rural areas. Authorities have assured the public of swift action to restore access to safe drinking water and to identify the causes of the mysterious illness affecting the region.
As Budhal grapples with this dual crisis, residents are left anxiously awaiting answers and solutions, even as health and law enforcement officials work tirelessly to address the situation.
