Day: June 30, 2025

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

Contaminated Supplies Closed Off; Public Awareness Campaign Launched

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA 

RAJOURI JUNE 30:-In the aftermath of recent heavy rains, Rajouri district has witnessed a spike in cases of waterborne illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever. The alarming health concerns prompted immediate action from the Jal Shakti Department (PHE), Rajouri, in coordination with its Sub-Division Kotranka.

Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Ashfaq Ahmed, Executive Engineer (Ex En) Sudesh Bhagat, and Superintending Engineer (SE) Hydraulic led the rapid response to contain the outbreak. Multiple suspected sources—including traditional bowlis (spring-fed water points) and storage tanks—were inspected, chlorinated, and sanitized during an intensified field operation.

Water quality testing confirmed the presence of E. coli bacteria in five local sources, which were immediately sealed to prevent further contamination.

In tandem with fieldwork, the department launched an aggressive public awareness campaign. Teams fanned out across affected areas, conducting door-to-door visits and using mosque and temple loudspeakers to educate residents about safe water practices. Citizens have been advised to boil water before consumption and use purified water for cooking.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and taking every possible step to ensure public safety,” stated a senior official from the department.

Authorities have assured the public that water quality surveillance will continue round the clock. In addition, the department has committed to tracing the root cause of contamination and establishing long-term preventive measures to avert future outbreaks.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI JUNE 30:- In a move that has triggered unrest among workers, the coal mine operating in the Mogla area of sub-district Kalakote has remained shut for the past four days without prior notice. The sudden halt has particularly affected temporary employees, many of whom rely solely on this employment for their livelihood.

Expressing their frustration, temporary workers including Suresh Kumar, Mohammad Hanif, and Ravi Kumar shared that they have been barred from entering the site for four consecutive days. “We are not being assigned any work, while the permanent workers are still being allowed inside to operate pumps,” said one of the workers. “We earn ₹10,000 per month, and this is our only source of income. For years, we have worked in this mine. Now, every morning we come hoping work will resume, but we are forced to wait outside all day and return home empty-handed.”

The workers alleged that there has been no clarity from the administration regarding the sudden closure, leading to growing distress among their families. They warned that if the mine is not reopened soon, they will be compelled to launch a strong protest in the coming days.

When contacted, the Managing Director of the coal mine, P.K. Sharma, clarified the reason behind the closure. “The mine was shut on the orders of the Director of Coal Safety. However, efforts are being made to restart operations at the earliest,” Sharma assured.

Meanwhile, the temporary workers continue to wait, demanding immediate intervention by the concerned authorities to restore their employment and prevent further escalation.