Water samples collected at Kapal Mochan Mela

The Health Department has taken 52 water samples for bacteriological tests from the inter-state Kapal Mochan Mela here to ensure that people got clean and safe water.

The department also took 848 samples for the orthotolidine test — a chemical test used to measure residual chlorine in water. All 848 samples were found okay, an official said.

Dr Jitender Singh, Civil Surgeon, Yamunanagar, said the Health Department had made elaborate arrangements for the devotees at Kapal Mochan Mela.

The Health Department is conducting surprise inspections at shops distributing eatables, besides checking food items in the stores every day.

“The Health Department has taken 52 water samples for bacteriological tests to ensure that people get clean and safe water. The samples have been sent to lab and the report is awaited,” said Dr Jitender Singh.

Mela Officer (Health) Dr Vagish Gutain said lakhs of devotees visited the mela every year.

This time, the Health Department had set up six medical posts for the convenience of the devotees at the Kapal Mochan Mela.

“Each post is equipped with a doctor, a pharmacist, a laboratory technician and a Class-IV employee, who are on round-the-clock duty to address the devotees’ health issues,” said Dr Vagish Gutain.

He added that free medical consultation and medicines were being provided at these medical posts.

Dr Gutain said on-site doctors and paramedical staff provided treatment for common health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cough, fever, pain and stomach problems.

“Ten ambulances have also been deployed at various locations throughout the mela,” he added.

Additionally, the Health Department has organised an exhibition to raise awareness about health-related schemes, including a fish tank housing Gambusia fish, which eats mosquito larvae. Fogging was also being conducted by in the mela area.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Shama Parveen said that Community Health Centre, Vyaspur, had been made the base hospital for the mela.