The special investigation team (SIT) probing the outbreak of jaundice in Shimla and the surrounding areas questioned a Junior Engineer (water lifting) at Ashwani Khud water supply scheme. It also quizzed the pump operators for the second day today. Another Junior Engineer (lifting) was absconding and his mobile phone was switched off.
Fresh cases of jaundice are pouring in in spite of suspension of the supply of water from Ashwani Khud. The disease has spread to adjoining district of Solan, Mandi, Nalagarh and parts of Sirmaur district.
The focus of the probe has shifted to “maintenance of quality of water” and more arrests are not ruled out, SP, DW Negi said. The SIT is minutely investigating the role of pump operators and Junior Engineers (Lifting) to ascertain whether they were aware of the contamination of water due to mixing of sewage and steps taken by them to inform the concerned officers for taking necessary preventive and precautionary measures.
He said the Assistant Engineer arrested by the SIT in this case was cooperating with police.
Concerned officers of all agencies and departments, including Pollution Control Board, Irrigation and Public Health and Health Department and Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) responsible for monitoring and maintenance of quality of water are under scanner and technical aspects of the matter are also being looked into.
Negi denied reports that the Enforcement Directorate has also started investigations in the matter and had sought the copy of FIR and other records. He said the ED had not asked for a copy of FIR or any other information.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Kaul Singh said the state was on the alert and the government has directed all the Chief Medical Officers to maintain a constant vigil on the situation.
He said that besides the Irrigation and Public Health Department, the Health Department would also take water samples and get these tested.
Kaul Singh said as it happened in Shimla, the mixing of sewage with water source was believed to be cause of jaundice in Mandi and Solan also. He asked the people to take necessary precautions and consume only boiled water to avoid the disease.
Meanwhile, the bail application of five accused arrested in the case and remanded to judicial custody was heard by a local court and deferred till February 6, said additional SP Sandeep Dhawal heading the SIT.
Fresh cases of jaundice are pouring in in spite of suspension of the supply of water from Ashwani Khud. The disease has spread to adjoining district of Solan, Mandi, Nalagarh and parts of Sirmaur district.
The focus of the probe has shifted to “maintenance of quality of water” and more arrests are not ruled out, SP, DW Negi said. The SIT is minutely investigating the role of pump operators and Junior Engineers (Lifting) to ascertain whether they were aware of the contamination of water due to mixing of sewage and steps taken by them to inform the concerned officers for taking necessary preventive and precautionary measures.
He said the Assistant Engineer arrested by the SIT in this case was cooperating with police.
Concerned officers of all agencies and departments, including Pollution Control Board, Irrigation and Public Health and Health Department and Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) responsible for monitoring and maintenance of quality of water are under scanner and technical aspects of the matter are also being looked into.
Negi denied reports that the Enforcement Directorate has also started investigations in the matter and had sought the copy of FIR and other records. He said the ED had not asked for a copy of FIR or any other information.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Kaul Singh said the state was on the alert and the government has directed all the Chief Medical Officers to maintain a constant vigil on the situation.
He said that besides the Irrigation and Public Health Department, the Health Department would also take water samples and get these tested.
Kaul Singh said as it happened in Shimla, the mixing of sewage with water source was believed to be cause of jaundice in Mandi and Solan also. He asked the people to take necessary precautions and consume only boiled water to avoid the disease.
Meanwhile, the bail application of five accused arrested in the case and remanded to judicial custody was heard by a local court and deferred till February 6, said additional SP Sandeep Dhawal heading the SIT.
