Bidar: None of the six towns or 600 villages in Bidar district has underground drainage. This is said to be one of the reasons for the spread of infectious diseases in the district. In the last 15 months, there have been 1,400 cases of gastroenteritis, leptospirosis and "Chickun Gunya." But there has been no death so far.

According to Health Department figures, at least 700 people were diagnosed with gastroenteritis between January 2005 and February 2006. Nearly 660 suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported in government hospitals in the last three months. Over 70 people were treated for suspected "Chickun Gunya" this month.

Leptospirosis spreads through the droppings and secretions of rats. People who step on these droppings risk infection. The disease is not fatal, but causes much discomfort. Such infectious material is exposed when gutters are built at the surface. The risk of infection substantially increases then, says senior physician Rajshekar Koujalagi. According to him, increased awareness among people about hygiene will make a difference. A virus causes "Chickun Gunya." It is easy to combat. Mosquitoes carry the disease-causing virus.

Gastroenteritis is caused by contaminated drinking water. Keeping the environment clean can effectively control all such diseases. Having underground drainage can be of help, he says.

Bidar City Municipal Council president Chandrashekar Patil said a plan to provide underground drainage in the city has been approved and the work will start soon.

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