Cachar admin swings into action after formalin leak in Jatinga river

way2barak, July 4 : –The Cachar district administration has launched a coordinated response after a tanker carrying formalin ,a formaldehyde solution reportedly met with an accident between Jatinga and Lampu on NH-27 in neighbouring Dima Hasao district, leading to leakage of the chemical into the Jatinga River.

Acting on an advisory issued by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dima Hasao, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Cachar has directed all concerned departments to take immediate preventive measures within their respective jurisdictions to safeguard public health and minimise any environmental impact.

An per official communication received and advisory issued by the Additional District Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of DDMA, Cachar, instructed departments to implement the advisory issued by the Dima Hasao district administration and coordinate closely with local authorities and other stakeholders. Departments have also been asked to furnish Action Taken Reports or compliance reports to the office of the District Commissioner, Cachar, at the earliest.

The district administration has asked officials to launch extensive awareness campaigns among people residing along the river banks informing them about the possible health risks associated with contaminated river water. Authorities have also been directed to arrange immediate testing and continuous monitoring of the water quality of the Jatinga River through the competent agencies.

Special attention has been given to all Public Water Supply Schemes (PWSS), particularly intake points drawing water from the river. Officials have been instructed to monitor these schemes regularly and adopt necessary precautionary measures wherever required to ensure the safety of drinking water supplied to the public.

The administration has further directed local authorities to prevent livestock and other animals from entering or drinking water from the affected stretch of the river in coordination with village authorities and local communities. Close surveillance has also been ordered on the catching, transportation and sale of fish sourced from the Jatinga River in local markets until the competent authority declares the water safe.

Besides these measures, departments have been also authorised to take any other preventive or emergency steps considered necessary to protect public health, livestock, wildlife and the environment.

Meanwhile, the DDMA, Dima Hasao has issued a public safety advisory for residents living along the Jatinga River and downstream areas. The advisory asks people not to use river water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing or any other domestic purpose until further notice. It also advises residents not to consume fish or other aquatic organisms collected from the affected stretch of the river.

People have also been advised to avoid swimming, fishing or entering the river in the affected area. Farmers have been requested not to use river water for irrigation until the concerned authorities complete their assessment, while livestock owners have been asked to ensure that animals and pets do not drink water from the river.

The advisory further states that anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water and develops symptoms such as eye or skin irritation, breathing difficulty, nausea, dizziness or vomiting should immediately seek treatment at the nearest health facility.

Appealing for public cooperation, the Cachar and Dima Hasao DDMA authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and rely only on official information issued by the district administration and emergency response agencies. The advisory has come into effect immediately.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.