Monsoon is much awaited after the dry months, but the rains also bring their share of maladies along. The moisture-laden environment proves conducive for bacteria, virus and fungi to spread and wreak havoc with people’s health. Varinder Singh finds out the monsoon-generated maladies that are trying to spread their tentacles in the city

Creating conducive environment: Nimbu-paani

After the initial joy of respite from the scorching dry heat, people are now waking up to the miseries that come with the rains. A sizeable number of people have fallen victim to ‘monsoon-generated’ maladies, like intestinal infections leading to loose motions, viral fever and skin diseases.

While insanitation and supply of allegedly contaminated water in certain localities, such as Telian Mohalla, has seen residents suffering from intestinal infections or mild gastroenteritis, open sale of cut fruits under the very nose of district health authorities, has further compounded the situation for others.

Doctors estimate that nearly 40 per cent of population of the city could be suffering from intestinal infections, diarrhoea, viral, cough, and skin diseases like impetigo (contagious bacterial infection forming pustules and yellow crusty sores), fungal infections, ringworms and pityriasis (shedding of fine flaky scales).

Though viral fever seems to have spread its tentacles on epidemic proportions, there are hardly any cases of malaria, say doctors.

“Since most of these diseases are contagious, these are spreading at a fast pace and we feel that nearly 40 per cent of population of the city could already have fallen victim to one or the other of these diseases.

“Except for viral infection, all other diseases are, however, confined to certain localities, where, insanitation ruled the roost and where supply of contaminated water was being alleged.

The good part is that most diseases have not taken epidemic propotions due to enhanced levels of hygiene and increased awareness about the importance of sanitation among people,” said Dr Jasbir Dosanjh, a city-based prominent dermatologist.

According to Dr Charanjit Singh Pruthi, the Managing Director of the local BBC Heartcare Centre, cases related to food poisoning and gastro were also seen in the city in considerable numbers.

“The biggest reason for proliferation of all these diseases is lack of cleanliness and unabated growth of flies, mosquitoes and fungi. Since, there is lack or absence of cleanliness all around, flies and mosquitoes become unmanageable and spread disease from one place to other. Pollution also plays its part in the game in spread of disease and sale of cut fruit and beverages like ‘nimbu-paani’ become potent vehicles for bacteria to spread from one place to another.”

Bacterial infection can play havoc with life in monsoon. A leading choreographer of the city learned about it the hard way after falling victim to ‘food poisoning’ the moment he tried to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. “It not only rendered me bed-ridden for a couple of days, but the malady also affected me from professional point of view. Utmost care about selection of an eating joint is a must, particularly, during monsoons,” he said, wiser after the experience.

Investigations by The Tribune revealed that a high degree of insanitation prevailed in a large number of localities, particularly, the ones falling in ‘basti’ area and in almost all parts of the old city. Drains were seen overflowing and stinking water was seen accumulated here and there in absence of any corrective measures.

“Sanitation seems to have taken a back seat as far as the Municipal Corporation is concerned. Councillors and officials are seemingly busy in politicking than taking care of the city and its residents. There are lots of disparities.

“While certain posh localities get more than desired and money is being wasted on relaying of roads or parks, certain other areas are devoid of even basic sanitation,” rued Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Basti Bawa Khlel.

A large number of vendors sell cut fruit, ‘nimbu-paani’, ‘chat’ and ‘gol gappas’ in all parts of the city without covering these food items in a proper manner and without fear of authorities.

Interestingly, ‘rehris’ of cut fruit and ‘gol gappas’ are to be seen near the entrance of the local Civil Hospital, housing the office of the Civil Surgeon.

When contacted, Dr Avtaar Singh Jarewal, Civil Surgeon, seemingly, had no time to talk about the sensitive issue as he was busy in a function organised by the Punjab Health Minister at Goraya.

“I am busy in the function. Can we talk in about two hours?” he said.

Dermatologists maintained that fungal diseases among people were also on the rise. “Itching is very common and so are cases of insect bites. All this comes with the monsoon, but situation deteriorates in case hygiene is missing around you. Maintenance of a degree of hygiene is a must and a pre-condition in case you want to avoid monsoon-related diseases,” said Dr Dosanjh.

Even after six decades of Independence, there are several areas in almost every city which are still deprived of basic amenities.

Contrary to the tall claims of politicians of making an overall development, clean drinking water, pollution-free air, calm atmosphere to live peacefully and proper roads for vehicles and pedestrians are still distant dreams for several citizens.

Purani Dana Mandi road falling under ward number 9 of the Kapurthala Municipal Council is one such road which is in a very poor condition due to lack of repairs for the past one year.

The condition of nearly half-a-kilometre stretch is worse than the rest of the road.

When the Jalandhar Plus team visited the stretch, it noticed a number of deep pits there. Interestingly, it was difficult to guess whether pits are on the road or road was on the pits.

A shopkeeper of the area, Mr Sunil Kumar, said most people had stopped using this road due to its dilapidation condition. Thus, their work had been adversely affected due to poor condition of the road for last one year. “Only those come, who have some urgent work in this area,” he added.

Apart from several shops, a reputed school, a bank, a temple and a filling station is also located in the area. The students of the school and aged devotees at the temple face difficulties while visiting to this road.

Several persons, especially students of the Anand Public School, kept on falling in the pits now and then, Mr Sunil said, adding that the condition was becoming worse in the rains.

Water accumulated in the pits, the road became slippery and it became more difficult to visit this road during the rainy season, he said, adding that the number of persons falling there also increased during rains.
Ashok, a student of the Anand Public School, said he became scared while coming on this road but had no option but to visit this dilapidated road almost every day as his school was located here.

Some of his classmates had already fallen in the pits but he was lucky, as he took extra care on this road, he added.

Meanwhile Mr Sunil said earlier water used to enter their shops during the rain, but the situation improved a bit in the recent past, as after persistent requests to the area councilor, Mr Tarsem Lal, Kapurthala Municipal Council made some arrangements to drain out the rain water.

However nothing has been done to reconstruct the road so far despite repeated requests, he added.

Interestingly, the Kapurthala Municipal Council authorities are also well aware of the poor condition of the road.

When asked about the dilapidated road, Executive Officer of the Kapurthala Municipal Council, Mr Raj Kumar Mittal, said the road would be reconstructed at the earliest on a priority basis.

However he did not say anything as to why the Municipal Council did not pay its attention towards the road earlier.

To a query, he said he could not say anything without seeing the records: whether any tenders had been floated to reconstruct this road or not.

There is good news for theatre buffs. Naseeruddin Shah would visit the city on July 28 to present the play Katha Collage. The play has three classic tales directed, adapted and enacted by Naseeruddin himself. The actor has turned a full circle by embracing his first love, namely theatre.

 The play has received rave reviews in India and overseas. Katha Collage, as the name suggests, is a compilation of three short tales, which though taken from literature that was penned years ago, is still relevant to our contemporary times.

‘Bade Bhai Saheb’ is a short story by master storyteller Prem Chand, where two distinctly opposing personas go through life with their entirely different attitudes and mindsets. It tackles differences, albeit in a lighter vein.

‘Shatranj ke Khiladi’ that was also penned by Premchand was immortalised by its award-winning screen rendition. It comes alive yet again in this dramatic and satirical interpretation where the decadence of feudal lords is captured in a period setting.

The third and final story is ‘Sankraman’, which means “circle of life”. It was written originally by Kamtanath. Here the attempt is to delve into parental patterns, and deduce how similar we become to them as we approach our advancing years. The mixed emotions of shock, disbelief, denial and finally acceptance are tackled brilliantly by the actor who has so many shades to his persona.

Katha Collage is an apt production to showcase the thespian’s acting prowess. Naseeruddin lends enormous stature to each of the characters he portrays.

Entry is by invitation for the Spice Club Spirit members. Spice Telecom and The Durga Das Foundation are organising the programme, and The Tribune is the media sponsor for the show. 

The District Welfare Office here has done a yeoman’s service by imparting five weeks of training to 28 ex-servicemen and 45 rural youth for recruitment as constables in the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB), that too for free.

The efforts put in for the training purposes bore fruit, as 18 ex-servicemen and 41 boys, mostly their wards, have cleared the test and have now taken a five-day training for interview at the office here. The candidates have been given tips on dressing up, body language, mannerism, communication, preparing files, answering expected questions and self-introduction to be given before their examiners during interviews scheduled from July 24 onwards at 13th PAP Battalion, Chandigarh.

The candidates have also attended lectures in this regard by retired PAP and IRS officials. Retired IG Police, Mr S.S. Bains, also talked to the candidates on Friday. The candidates were given a training in drill by Ram Singh from Sikh Light Infantry.

Among the candidates were one postgraduate youth, nearly six graduate boys, one boxer, national level wrestlers and other sportspersons. Many ex-servicemen now deployed in the civil as security persons outside ATM centres were also seen preparing for the interviews.

A jawan who served the country at the strategic Tiger Hill during Operation Vijay is also one of the promising candidates, Lieut-Col Manmohan Singh, Deputy Director, Sainik Welfare, said.

Rakhi fervour has already gripped Phagwara. The festival may be more than a fortnight away but sales of trendy, designer rakhi threads, gifts and cards have already witnessed an increase. Traders are doing their bit to add colour to the celebrations by providing a wide variety of products.

The range and variety is immense. There are designer rakhis from all the way from Kolkata and Rajasthan, besides the local collection.

Tilak packs and pooja thalis too have undergone a makeover in the recent times making raksha bandhan, stylish and chic. Amazingly, tradition blends perfectly with modernity and style.

Bracelet, rose flower, chandan, mobile rakhi, along with simple doris are available with a price tag ranging between Rs 5 to Rs 150. Simple rakhis are also decked up with stone, zari, jute and ghoongroos to make them attractive and appealing.

For children, there are mobile rakhis and also with figures of camels, teddy bears and elephants selling like hot cakes. “This year rakhi business has started quite early. With the increase in spending power, residents ask for good stuff, especially designer-made,” says Sawant Johl from Archies Gallery.

With relatives abroad, those here are letting them know of their emotions through cards. “Rakhi cards, both in English and Hindi, are a hit with the buyers as they have a thread attached with them.

“They can conveniently be sent abroad and even to other parts of the country,” says Pooja Bhandari.

Claiming a daily sale of approximately Rs 1,000, Satyam Bansal, who sells rakhis in Saraffan Bazaar, agrees that business is on a high this season. “Not only are people sending Rakhis abroad, but the local ones want to purchase better designs before the stock finishes.”

Right from footpath vendors to shop-owners, all are trying to cash in on the festival. Jaswinder Singh, from Gift Shoppe, believes there is a 20 per cent rise in the sales of rakhis this year.

It seems it’s bonding time for city sisters.

The all-new Wagon-R will be launched in Jalandhar today by the Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL).

The vehicle, according to Mr Amit Mittal and Mr Gundeep Singh Swani, proprietors of Lovely Autos and Swani Motors, the two Maruti dealers in the city, would be launched at Radisson Windsor hotel by Mr R.S. Kalsi, a senior MUL official.

For anyone entering or going out of the city, Rama Mandi Chowk seems to have become a pain as well an eyesore. Vehicles painstakingly negotiate the ungainly deep pits full of dirty water. Traffic comes almost to a halt as they around this roundabout on the GT Road.

The road all around the chowk has been severely damaged by the accumulation of rain water due to which deep craters have been formed, making it prone to accidents.

Regular drivers on the road are aware of the problem and keep a distance from the roundabout but others are caught unawares, few lose their balance and skid off.

The situation has worsened ever since the monsoon arrived. The craters have not just widened, but also deepened.

After mild showers, the craters fill up with water, due to which the commuters fail to judge the size of these pits.

After rain early this morning, a car and an Army vehicle collided with each other.

The roundabout with its broken edges has also become a problem, especially for heavy vehicles.

On Friday, travelers on the road were greeted by a truck had mounted on the roundabout. Few months back, a bus too had landed in the peculiar position. Such incidents further lead to traffic jams on the busy national highway.

Mr Maninder Bir Singh, a trader, said he started early morning every day to reach his office in Jandu Singhan but the daily commute was getting longer as he had to wait for long for the way to get cleared. It was invariably blocked every morning and evening.

The DSP Traffic, Mr Gautam Singal, agreed that there was traffic chaos in the area but he said that it was primarily because of bad condition of the road. He said that the road was getting jammed twice a day when most people leave home in the morning and are on their way back in the evening. He said that the situation would normalise once the NHAI authorities do the repair work.

Hope the wait would not be long and the authorities concerned would also pay attention to drainage of water from around the roundabout.

The rain water accumulates due to lack of drainage in the area.

The drainage holes are blocked and the stagnant water takes toll on the road, the vehicles and the commuters.