BIJAPUR: Enraged by the death of a 16-year-old boy, people in Almel hobli in Sindagi taluk observed a bandh on Wednesday.

It is said that a large number of people in Almel, especially in Vaddara Oni locality, have been afflicted by a contagious disease for the past few days mainly due to the use of contaminated water. Despite repeated complaints, the Department of Health did not take steps to control the disease, sources said.

Sharanu Shankar Banapatti, who had been ill for the past few days, died on Wednesday morning. The people decided not to cremate body till the administration redressed their grievances. They closed shops and business establishments and some people staged a dharna in front of the primary health centre. They insisted that Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mohsin visit the hobli. They also demanded that the PHC doctor be suspended.

As Mr. Mohsin was engaged in another programme, a team comprising District Health Officer Kamraddi and Sindagi tahsildar Mahadev Sasanur rushed to Almel. Later in a meeting at gram panchayat office, officials tried to pacify the agitators.0 They announced that the doctor at the PHC will be replaced immediately. They also gave an assurance with regard to supply of pure drinking water from outside sources. A water tanker was pressed into service.

Water contaminated

Dr. Kamraddi told The Hindu that contaminated water caused the disease. Blood and saliva samples were collected for the laboratory test. Going by symptoms, it appeared to be viral fever. He said similar kind of disease is found in Muddebihal town too. Consumption of contaminated water caused the disease there. Measures have been initiated to take up regular sanitation work, he said.

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