22 May 2004	Saturday	02 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, May 21: Acting Nazim Tariq Hassan has expressed concern over outbreak of diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and eye diseases in Hyderabad due to supply of highly polluted drinking water.

He took immediate notice of a report from the EDO Water and Sanitation, City District Government Karachi, in connection with an alarming decrease in water level in Keenjhar lake with increasing salinity and disposal of pesticides waste.

Tariq Hasan observed that in this hot weather, the demand for water goes up manifold and under such circumstances, supply of injurious water was highly deplorable.

In a communication to the secretary of irrigation and EDO Water Board, the acting Nazim Karachi called for steps to ensure supply of pollution-free water and to keep a vigil on water supply system, so that Hyderabad-like situation could not occur in Karachi.

The Acting City Nazim assured that strict watch was being maintained on water supply system while steps were being taken for a further improvement. The officials told Tariq Hasan that there was no cause for concern as far as Karachi is concerned.

Tariq Hasan appealed to the people to consume boiled water and in case of any sign of gastroenteritis or diarrhoea, they should approach the doctors immediately.

He asked the chief secretary and secretary of irrigation to issue necessary directives to concerned departments for redressal of any problem in this regard on an emergency basis. -APP