NHRC notice to Karnataka Govt over outbrak of Gastroenteritis

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that as many as three persons have died and 35 others have been hospitalized due to acute gastroenteritis at village Maidolalu in Bhadravati taluk in Shivamogga district in Karnataka.

The District Health Officer has reportedly stated that the consumption of contaminated piped drinking water is suspected to be the reason behind the outbreak of gastroenteritis. The piped drinking water is supplied by the gram panchayat.

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. It has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of Right to Life and Health of the victims as the drinking water is the basic amenity and the State is bound to ensure its uncontaminated supply, according to an NHRC release.

As per news report, carried on today on February 13, 2018, the water samples have been collected from two overhead tanks at the village and from the houses of the patients and  sent to the laboratory for examination. The residents have, reportedly, expressed their anguish that the water tanks are not cleaned regularly. It is further mentioned that a similar outbreak of gastroenteritis was reported from the same area in 2017 also.