Contaminated Water Supply Discovered

The Iritty, Kannur municipal health department discovered that several shops, including meat stalls, were using water from a contaminated well with waste. Health officials immediately disconnected the pipelines and water supply systems carrying water from the well to overhead tanks and banned its use.

Hidden Well and Accumulated Waste

The contaminated well, supplying water to a two-storey building near Mele Stand bridge, was overgrown with vegetation, making it difficult to locate. Health officials also observed large heaps of garbage dumped by fruit, vegetable, and street vendors around the well. Information had surfaced that some people were throwing waste directly into the well.

Overhead Tank Contamination

A team led by Iritty Municipality Clean City Manager K.V. Rajeevan inspected the overhead tank connected to the building and found significant waste accumulation. Officials then cut off all pipelines carrying water from the well to the tank and from the tank to the shops, and instructed shop owners to stop using the water immediately.

Inspections at Nearby Shops

Health officials inspected nearby roadside shops selling chips, fruits, and vegetables. They found old oil being used for chips and instructed the shop owners to dispose of it. The team also confiscated banned plastic carry bags from street vendors. Public Health Inspector A.S. Sandeep and worker P. Santosh actively participated in the inspection to enforce food and water safety measures.

Source:  Manoramaonline