Japanese encephalitis: Survey to be undertaken in 5 districts

2% of hand pumps to be checked for contamination

Five districts in Tamil Nadu, which are among the 60 districts across the country already under watch for Japanese Encephalitis (JE)/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), would soon go for a survey to check whether the drinking water sources in these districts are contaminated.

Karur, Madurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Villupuram districts in Tamil Nadu are among the 60 districts across five States identified as affected districts. A sample size of 2% of the hand pumps in these districts will be covered under the survey as part of the systematic random sampling process.

Survey before monsoon

The decision to undertake the survey was taken at a meeting of the Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in Delhi held recently. Rural water supply officials from Tamil Nadu and other States were also present at the meeting.

As part of the quality test, the samples will be analysed for total coliforms, E-coli and pH levels. Engineers from the Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply are likely to undertake the survey, which will start before the onset of monsoon this year.

According to the National Programme for Prevention and Control of JE/AES, contaminated drinking water is the primary source of AES, and hence, the provision of safe drinking water and proper sanitation is critical for its prevention and control.