Odisha on high alert to prevent diarrhea outbreak during Rath Yatra

IANS June 17, 2025 278 views

The Odisha government is taking strict measures to prevent a diarrhea outbreak during the upcoming Rath Yatra festival. Health officials are distributing ORS and zinc tablets while ensuring clean water supply in urban areas. A recent cholera outbreak in Jajpur has heightened concerns, prompting intensified surveillance. The 'Stop Diarrhea' campaign aims to educate and protect residents ahead of the festival.

"Particular attention is being given to town areas where Rath Yatra celebrations will take place." - Krushna Chandra Mahapatra
Bhubaneswar, June 16: Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Monday stated that the state government is fully alert and taking all precautionary arrangements to avoid spread of diarrhea during the Rath Yatra festival, which is scheduled to commence from June 27.

Key Points

1

Odisha govt monitors water supply to prevent diarrhea

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Health dept launches 'Stop Diarrhea' campaign with ORS and zinc tablets

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Cholera vibrio confirmed as cause of recent outbreak

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Rath Yatra preparations include sanitation and public awareness drives

While speaking to media persons, Mahapatra said that the urban development department is fully alert in view of the rising cases of diarrhea in the state.

"Particular attention is being given to the town areas where Rath Yatra celebrations will take place. The department is on high alert to avoid any outbreak during the festival. Intensive surveillance and monitoring are being carried out to ensure that the public remains safe, and the festival is conducted smoothly,” said Mahapatra.

Additionally, he mentioned that directives have been issued to maintain adequate water supply and sanitation in all urban areas, with particular attention to sensitive zones.

“Although no concrete evidence of contaminated water has been found so far, we are taking every precaution to avoid any health crisis,” added Mahapatra.

Meanwhile, the state Health and Family Welfare department on Monday launched a statewide campaign ‘Stop Diarrhea’.

Launching the scheme by state health minister Mukesh Mahaling noted that sufficient amount of ORS packets, zinc tablets, and other medicines have been stocked at all Anganwadi Kendras, community centers, hospitals, and Arogya Mandirs across the state under the ‘Stop Diarrhea’ programme, which will continue until July 31.

Mahaling instructed the health workers to visit every household in their respective areas and distribute pamphlets containing awareness messages, ORS, Zinc tablets and medicines. He urged people to follow instructions of doctors and health workers.

Notably, cases of diarrhea were first reported in Jajpur district a few days ago.

Later, it started spreading to other parts of the state including Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, etc putting the state government on high alert. The central team, deputed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to investigate the recent outbreak of diarrheal diseases in Odisha's Jajpur district, on Monday confirmed that the outbreak was caused by the cholera vibrio.

Reader Comments

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Arjun P.
Good to see the Odisha government being proactive before Rath Yatra! 🙏 With lakhs of devotees expected, sanitation and clean water arrangements are crucial. Hope they implement strict monitoring of street food vendors too - that's often a major cause during festivals.
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Priya M.
The 'Stop Diarrhea' campaign is a much-needed initiative. But I hope they're also focusing on long-term solutions like improving water infrastructure. Every year we see these outbreaks during monsoon season - temporary measures aren't enough anymore.
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Rahul K.
As someone who attended Rath Yatra last year, I appreciate this alert. The crowds are massive and hygiene can be challenging. Maybe they should set up more temporary toilets and handwashing stations along the procession route? Jai Jagannath! 🚩
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Sunita N.
While the preparations seem thorough, I'm concerned about implementation. In previous years, we've seen announcements but ground reality was different. Hope this time they ensure proper coordination between departments and local authorities.
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Manish T.
The cholera vibrio confirmation is worrying! Government should run awareness ads on TV and radio in local languages too. Many villagers might not understand pamphlets. Prevention is better than cure, especially during such an important festival.
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Neha R.
Glad to see ORS and zinc tablets being distributed. These simple interventions save lives. Maybe they can involve local youth groups and NGOs to help with awareness campaigns? More hands would mean better coverage before the festival begins.

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Tags:
Odisha Rath Yatra diarrhea outbreak cholera Krushna Chandra Mahapatra Mukesh Mahaling public health