Jaundice, a waterborne disease is haunting the Cuttack city with fresh cases from various areas. A health department source said that eighteen people are suffering from the disease. The disease has broken out at Patapole, Sutahat, Ganga Mandir and Darjee Sahi.

Parwana Biwi, a resident of Patapole said that most of the drinking water pipelines are exposed to drains where the water gets contaminated. The contaminated water consumption is causing jaundice. Most of the roads are littered with garbage and the CMCs sanitation drive is an eyewash as its workers dont come to clean the garbage.

Another resident said, that due to overflowing drains, roads are filled with waste water. Also, in some places, garbage is thrown on leaking pipelines. Feroz Khan, resident of Sutahat, alleged that they have been consuming drinking water supplied by Public Health Engineering Organization (PHEO). The authorities are least concerned about supplying clean water and have closed eyes to health hazards of the residents.

One local resident said that there are more than 40 people affected in jaundice in Patapole and Sutahat but the CMC has identified only 18 people.

An official said that the CMC has formed three teams to check spread of the waterborne disease. CMC health officer Umesh Panigrahi had admitted the chaotic situation and said that they have informed the PHEO office to provide safe drinking water tankers for distribution in various areas.

He further added that they have collected water samples from eight places from where there are allegations of water contamination and samples have been sent to laboratory for testing.

An awareness campaign has also been launched and health workers are educating people going from door to door to start chlorination of drinking water sources and have started distribution of water purifying tablets. People have also been advised to consume boiled water. Awareness campaign will be increased through leaflets and public address system.

A senior official of CMC said that, the CMC will take action against sanitation workers if they are found neglecting their duties.