CUTTACK: Even as jaundice scare looms large, the sale of unhygienic water pouches continues unabated in the Millennium City.
The administration is yet to take any concrete measures to check the sale of unsafe water pouches which is on the rise due to intense heatwave conditions in the last few days.
Reeling under acute drinking water crisis, citizens are forced to use the water pouches that pose serious health and can aggravate the jaundice situation. “Most of the water pouches which are being sold in different parts of the City are devoid of both manufacturing and use-before dates, thereby posing serious health hazards,” said Indraneil Senapati, a resident of Arunoday Nagar.
Senapati said the civic authority should at least ensure that there should be no compromise in the quality of drinking water either supplied through tankers or through water pouches which are being sold in the City.
Sources said the decision of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to not set up any drinking water kiosks in and around the City following the jaundice situation has given rise to the sale and use of water pouches. The sale of these unhygienic pouches is rampant in localities of Badambadi and near Cuttack Railway Station. Besides, a majority of people residing in slum areas under CMC are using these unsafe drinking water.
Though CMC officials have launched a crackdown on roadside eateries, the heath wing of the Corporation is yet to take measures to put a check on sale of these unsafe water pouches, the sources added.
Contacted, CMC Commissioner Gyana Das said he has already directed the City Health Officer to put a check on sale and use of water pouches. On the other hand, City Health Officer Dr PK Pradhan refused to comment on the matter.
Cuttack Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra said the sale of unhygienic water pouches has been banned. Action will be taken against those found selling water pouches, he added.