Development projects endangering citizens !

IMPHAL, Feb 7: Cases of allergy and asthma among the people has been on the rise as a result of the dust and other harmful particles in the air caused by the ongoing construction of roads and other projects in Imphal city, according to a study report of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.The report also points out that death of around 30 children in Tipaimukh sub-division sometime during March-April last year was simply due to lack of basic health care facilities in the sub-division.It is said that digging up of the roads in Imphal in connection with laying pipeline of Imphal Sewerage Project, delay in black-topping of approach road after construction of bridges as well as deterioration in the condition of Tiddim Road and others leading to the city even before black-topping have all led to unpreceden-ted level in the pollution of the air with dust particle.When The Sangai Express conducted a survey in this regard, it was noticed that traffic police personnel on duty at various points of the city were wearing masks and pedestrians covering their noses and mouths with cloths to avoid inhaling dust particles.Even though State Government has consistently assured of giving a new look to Imphal city along with black-topping of the roads after the onset of working season, the new look of Imphal still remains illusive from the view of the people.On the possible health hazard posed to the people from being exposed to the dust particle enveloping air of the city, Additional Director of Public Health Dr Th Bhubonchandra observed that cases of asthma and allergy on skin in the State had been on the rise.Instances of coughing, sneezing, etc are becoming very common as a result of inhaling these dust particle, he noted. The Additional Director himself admitted that he too has been wearing mask and caps even while driving inside his car to protect himself from the dust particle. On the other hand, death of around 30 children in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district during March-April last year has been attributed to lack of basic health care infrastructure in the sub-division. According to a report of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases forwarded to the State Health Dept, even if the main causes of the deaths were respiratory tract infection, the problem had been aggravated due to absence of doctors, other medical staff and necessary medicines in the hospital of the sub-division. As to the hospitalisation of over 30 villagers of Misao Lhouvom located near Khuga Dam of Churachand-pur district from an alleged unknown diseases recent, results of the clinical test conducted have been found to be negative as the villagers have suffered from fever, another source conveyed. To contain outbreak of any disease at any time and place, the Health Department is prepared along with setting up of its rapid response teams, the source added.