‘Fatalities show brain damage’
By: Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar: Principal, GMC Rajouri, Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia said all fatalities exhibited brain involvement and nervous system damage.
“Among nine admitted patients, five have recovered, but recovery becomes challenging once the brain is affected,” Dr Singh said, adding that preventive measures and public awareness campaigns are being prioritised to curb further risks.
The inter-ministerial team, constituted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and led by a director-level officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs, continued its investigation for the third consecutive day. Experts from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Chemicals, and Water Resources, as well as forensic departments from Chandigarh and Lucknow, are actively involved.
The District Magistrate of Rajouri has declared Badhaal as a containment zone. He has issued orders to prohibit all public and private gatherings.
The affected families have been categorised into three containment zones to ensure continuous monitoring and prevent further spread:
Containment Zone 1: Homes of families where deaths have occurred will be sealed, with no entry allowed unless authorised.
Containment Zone 2: Close contacts of affected persons will be shifted to GMC Rajouri for health monitoring.
Containment Zone 3: All households in Badhaal village, with staff deployed to monitor food consumption.
Designated officials have been tasked with overseeing food distribution to families in containment zones. Logbooks will document every instance of food consumption, with police personnel monitoring compliance.
After 17 deaths, Badhaal declared containment zone
