BJD Raises Concerns Over Diarrhoea Outbreak in Odisha's Puri District

Bhubaneswar- The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has expressed deep concern over the diarrhoea outbreak in the Kanas block of Puri district, Odisha. Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote on X handle, urging the government to take immediate action to control the situation.

Patnaik described the situation as "getting out of control" and highlighted the threat to life and property posed by the outbreak. He called for a special medical team to be dispatched to the affected areas and emphasized the importance of a door-to-door awareness campaign to educate the public about the disease. He also urged everyone to work together and cooperate with the administration to bring the situation under control, emphasizing that every life is precious.

BJD leader Umakanta Samantaray, speaking at a press conference, criticized the state government for its alleged negligence towards the crisis. He claimed that four people have died in the block due to the outbreak in the past ten days.

Samantaray further pointed out that the previous BJD government had initiated a plan to construct mega sewage treatment plants to prevent wastewater from flowing into the Daya River, a crucial water source for the Kanas block residents. He alleged that no progress has been made on this project since the BJP government assumed power. Kanas block residents mostly depend on the Daya River for various activities.

The senior BJD leader also criticized the government for the lack of medical facilities in the affected areas and for the absence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling from the affected region.

Samantaray demanded a financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and urged the government to ensure the provision of safe drinking water in the area.

Health Minister Mahaling confirmed that Chief Minister Majhi had instructed him to monitor the situation closely and prevent the outbreak from spreading. He stated that a health department team had been dispatched to the area as soon as the issue was brought to light. Official reports confirm one death and 71 cases of diarrhoea across five villages in the Kanas block.