Unidentified Deaths in Badhal: Affected families, high risk contacts shifted to Rajouri

3-observation centers established for instant & preventive care of relocated individuals
DC meets relocated individuals to inquire about their wellbeing

Shyam Sood
Rajouri, January 23: In the wake of the presence of certain toxin found during examination of samples at Lucknow, district administration Rajouri has shifted more than 200 persons from village Badhal to Rajouri in observation centres to ensure better preventative care and close monitoring of their health. Seventeen persons were killed and about 12 others are under treatment in hospitals at Rajouri, Jammu and in Chandigarh. “To provide them instant and better preventive care, the close contacts of affected families of village Badhal have been shifted to Nursing College in Rajouri,” said officials. “The decision was taken to ensure better preventative care and close monitoring of their health, as tests revealed the presence of certain toxins, not bacterial or viral infection,” he added. Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma said that close contacts and high-risk individuals have been shifted to the Nursing College to expedite care, as the distance from Badhal to Rajouri causes delays in responding to medical needs.
Considering the sensitivity of developments in Badhaal village, Deputy Commissioner chaired a high-level meeting and decided to establish 3-observation centers at Nursing College, Boys HSS Rajouri and Government Girls Hostel at Plangarh (Thanamandi)
Abhishek Sharma on Thursday visited Nursing College and interacted with the relocated individuals, inquiring about their well-being & assured them that their domestic animals will be taken care of at Badhal by the Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Departments.

Key measures taken by the administration in these observation centers include free meals, water and deployment of women staff for the welfare of children, girls and women.

The Chief Education Officer will provide teachers to facilitate regular classes for the children.

The Labour Department organised an awareness camp to educate the affected individuals and issue e-Shram cards and the administration will organise Daksh Kisan courses and skill development programs for the relocated individuals through ITI.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that four patients were airlifted yesterday for advanced treatment to different hospitals.

“One patient Ajaz was shifted to PGI Chandigarh and is now stable. Six other individuals are being treated at GMC Rajouri, including one critical patient whose condition has now stabilized,” said Abhishek Sharma.

He visited the hospital this morning to inquire about the condition of the patients.

*Additional District Development Commissioner Dr Raj Kumar Thapa is closely monitoring the centers to ensure seamless coordination among all departments.

The district administration is diligently implementing the directions issued by the Chief Secretary and Divisional Commissioner Jammu.

“Stay calm, the issue (deaths) is not due to a bacterial or viral disease. Preventative measures are in place to address the situation effectively,” DC appeals to people.