The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over allegations of contaminated drinking water in Jabalpur and criticised the district administration and Municipal Corporation for failing to act despite earlier directions. The tribunal has ordered a joint site inspection by the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) along with district and civic officials, directing them to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

The matter came up before the tribunal after it took cognisance of a media report highlighting drinking water pipelines passing through open drains and residents receiving foul-smelling, contaminated water in parts of the city.

NGT Questions Administrative Inaction

During the hearing, the NGT observed that despite its previous directions, the concerned authorities had not conducted a field inspection. The tribunal noted that the nodal committee informed it that the inspection could not be completed because of a lack of cooperation from the district administration and the Municipal Corporation.

The nodal committee, constituted by the NGT in April 2026, includes Jabalpur Collector Raghavendra Singh, Municipal Commissioner Ram Prakash Ahirwar, and MPPCB Regional Officer K.P. Soni.

Expressing displeasure over the delay, the tribunal directed all concerned agencies to coordinate and complete the inspection without further delay.

Petition Alleges Widespread Water Contamination

According to the petitioners, nearly 80% of Jabalpur's drinking water pipelines pass through drainage channels, increasing the risk of contamination. They further claimed that 47% of the city's water is not fit for drinking, raising serious public health concerns.

These allegations prompted the tribunal to seek a comprehensive report on the condition of the water supply infrastructure and measures being taken to address the issue.

Report Was Not Submitted on Time

The petition was filed in March 2026 by Dr. P.G. Najpande and Rajat Bhargava of the Nagrik Upbhokta Manch. In April, the NGT had directed the Municipal Corporation and district administration to submit a report within one month.

However, the authorities failed to meet the deadline.

During a subsequent hearing on July 10, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board informed the tribunal that the joint inspection had not taken place due to non-cooperation from the civic body and district administration.

Aging Pipelines Raise Safety Concerns

Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Prabhat Yadav argued that much of Jabalpur's drinking water network comprises 40 to 50-year-old pipelines, many of which are damaged or deteriorating.

He submitted that no detailed project report (DPR) or comprehensive plan has been prepared to replace or repair the ageing infrastructure, despite repeated complaints regarding contaminated water supply.

Tribunal Directs Immediate Action

The bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar, termed the lack of coordination among government departments a serious matter.

The tribunal instructed the NGT Registrar to immediately write to the Jabalpur Collector and Municipal Commissioner, directing them to ensure full cooperation with the Pollution Control Board during the inspection process.

Issue Came to Light After Residents Complained

The matter gained attention after residents of Rajiv Gandhi Ward complained of black-coloured, foul-smelling water flowing from household taps. Locals alleged that leaking drinking water pipelines passing through drains were allowing sewage to mix with potable water, posing a significant health risk.

The NGT's latest intervention is expected to accelerate the investigation and determine the extent of contamination as well as the corrective measures required to safeguard public health.

The Food Safety Department has intensified its crackdown on adulterated and unsafe food items in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, conducting surprise inspections at hotels and restaurants in Semaria and Allahabad Road. During the raids, officials seized expired cold drinks from one restaurant and initiated legal action against another eatery where samosas and sweets were allegedly being prepared in unhygienic conditions.

The inspections were carried out on the directions of Rewa Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi as part of an ongoing drive to ensure food safety, particularly during the monsoon season.

Expired Cold Drinks Seized

The food safety team first inspected Indian Flavour Restaurant in Semaria, where officials found 15 bottles of expired cold drinks allegedly kept for sale to customers.

The expired beverages were seized, and proceedings were initiated against the restaurant operator, Lavkush Chourasia, under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Officials said selling expired food or beverages poses a serious health risk and constitutes a violation of food safety regulations.

Unhygienic Food Preparation Found

The inspection team later visited Benam Samosa Hotel on Allahabad Road, where samosas and sweets were allegedly being prepared in unsanitary conditions.

According to the Food Safety Department, the kitchen lacked adequate hygiene, raising concerns about food quality and consumer safety.

Action has been initiated against the establishment's operator, Arvind Sahu, under Section 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act for violations related to food safety standards.

Traders Warned to Follow Food Safety Norms

Following the inspections, the department issued a warning to hotel owners, restaurant operators and food business establishments across the district, directing them to maintain cleanliness and comply strictly with food safety regulations, especially during the rainy season.

Officials said strict action would continue against businesses found selling expired food products or violating hygiene standards.

Residents Seek Wider Inspection Drive

Despite the latest enforcement action, local residents said complaints regarding poor hygiene and food quality continue to emerge from several eateries across the district.

They urged the administration to expand the inspection campaign beyond a few establishments and conduct regular district-wide checks to ensure that all food businesses comply with food safety norms.

Authorities have indicated that surprise inspections will continue as part of the district's ongoing effort to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

In a significant move to curb the misuse of alcohol-based medicines, the Central government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, making it mandatory to produce a valid doctor's prescription for purchasing liquid oral medicines containing more than 12% ethyl alcohol in bottles larger than 30 ml.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified that these formulations will now be included under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, bringing them under stricter regulatory control. The amendment is aimed at preventing the misuse of certain cough syrups, tonics and other alcohol-containing medicines that have increasingly been used for intoxication rather than therapeutic purposes.

Medicines Shifted to Schedule H1

With the latest amendment, liquid oral formulations containing more than 12% ethyl alcohol and sold in containers exceeding 30 ml can no longer be purchased over the counter. Patients will now need a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner to obtain these medicines from pharmacies.

Schedule H1 drugs are subject to enhanced monitoring because of their potential for misuse or abuse. The government said the amendment expands the scope of the schedule to include alcohol-rich medicinal formulations.

Strict Compliance for Pharmacies

Medical stores and pharmacies across the country will now have to follow stricter documentation norms while dispensing these medicines.

Under the revised rules, chemists must:

• Dispense the medicines only against a valid doctor's prescription.

• Maintain a separate register recording the patient's details, prescribing doctor's name and quantity of medicine sold.

• Preserve these records and prescriptions for at least three years for inspection by drug regulatory authorities.

Failure to comply with these provisions could invite regulatory action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

Move Aims to Prevent Misuse

Government officials said the decision was taken following concerns over the growing misuse of alcohol-containing medicinal products, particularly cough syrups and health tonics, which were often available without restrictions.

Regulatory bodies, including the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), reviewed the issue before recommending tighter controls. The amendment was notified after considering their recommendations.

Authorities believe stricter monitoring will reduce substance abuse while ensuring that patients requiring these medicines continue to receive them through legitimate medical prescriptions.

No Ban on Genuine Medical Use

Health experts clarified that the amendment does not prohibit the use of these medicines. Ethyl alcohol is commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a solvent and preservative and is considered safe when medicines are consumed as prescribed.

Patients who require these medicines for legitimate medical conditions will continue to receive them without interruption, provided they have a valid prescription from a registered doctor.

Medical experts have, however, warned that excessive or unsupervised consumption of alcohol-containing medicines can pose health risks, especially for children, elderly individuals and people with liver disorders.

Strengthening Drug Regulation

Introduced in 2013, Schedule H1 initially covered selected antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis medicines and habit-forming drugs to prevent indiscriminate use. The latest amendment broadens its coverage by adding high-alcohol liquid formulations.

The government believes the move will strengthen India's drug regulatory framework by improving traceability of medicine sales, reducing abuse and promoting the rational use of medicines in line with public health objectives.

The notification has come into effect following its publication in the Gazette of India, and pharmacies across the country are expected to implement the revised rules immediately.

A 46-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district has died after testing positive for COVID-19, prompting state health authorities to intensify surveillance and review preparedness across government hospitals. The patient had been admitted to Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, where he died after four days of treatment.

According to health officials, the deceased had suffered severe damage to both lungs. He had been kept in isolation during treatment, and authorities have now initiated contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the infection. Sanitisation measures have also been carried out in the locality as a precautionary step.

Five New Cases Detected

Following the fatality, the Andhra Pradesh Health Department conducted a statewide review, during which five new COVID-19 cases were detected in Kadapa and Tirupati districts.

Officials said the fresh infections have led to increased monitoring, although there is no indication of widespread community transmission at present. Health authorities have urged district administrations to remain vigilant and ensure timely reporting of suspected cases.

Hospitals Asked to Review Readiness

In response to the latest developments, the Director of Medical Education (DME) has directed all government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh to submit updated reports on their preparedness to handle COVID-19 cases.

Hospitals have been instructed to provide details regarding:

• Availability of isolation beds

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds

• Oxygen supply

• Ventilators

• Essential medicines

• Rapid testing kits

• Ambulance services

• Availability of doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel

The review aims to ensure that medical facilities are adequately equipped should infections rise in the coming weeks.

Health Surveillance Intensified

Officials are continuing epidemiological investigations into the deceased patient's travel history, medical condition and close contacts. Public health teams have been deployed to monitor the situation and implement preventive measures wherever necessary.

Authorities have advised citizens not to panic but to remain cautious by following basic health practices, particularly if experiencing respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 Variants Continue to Evolve

Since the coronavirus first emerged, thousands of variants have been identified worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified major variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron.

Omicron has since evolved into multiple sub-variants, including JN.1, XFG and NB.1.8.1, which continue to be monitored by global health agencies for changes in transmissibility and disease severity.

Global and National Impact

India officially recorded nearly 5.3 lakh COVID-19-related deaths by the end of 2022. However, the World Health Organization estimated that the pandemic may have caused approximately 47 lakh deaths in the country, considering excess mortality estimates.

Globally, official COVID-19 fatalities crossed 66 lakh by the end of 2022, making it one of the deadliest public health crises in modern history.

Health authorities in Andhra Pradesh have reiterated that while the current situation remains under observation, healthcare infrastructure is being reviewed proactively to ensure readiness for any future surge.

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Gwalior has issued show-cause notices to eight health department employees after they were found absent without prior permission during a monthly review meeting of government health programmes in Bhitarwar block. The action comes as the district health administration tightens accountability to ensure the effective implementation of public healthcare services and national health schemes.

The review meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on assessing the progress of various national health programmes and government-sponsored healthcare initiatives. During the meeting, several officials and staff members were found absent without informing the department in advance, prompting the CMHO to seek explanations from the concerned employees.

According to health department officials, the unexplained absence was treated as a serious case of indiscipline, particularly because such review meetings play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Review Meeting Focused on Health Schemes

The monthly review meeting was organised to evaluate the performance of various health programmes being implemented in Bhitarwar block. Officials reviewed the progress of ongoing schemes, service delivery, and the functioning of health centres across the region.

During attendance verification, eight employees were found missing without any prior intimation or approved leave. Taking serious note of the absence, CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar directed that show-cause notices be issued immediately to all concerned staff members.

Officials said regular participation in review meetings is essential for monitoring field-level performance and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently to beneficiaries.

Eight Employees Receive Show-Cause Notices

The employees who have been served notices include Community Health Officer (CHO) Prabha Shankar Kourav of Bhauri Sub Centre, Priyanka Solanki, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at Toda Sub Centre, Parvati Choudhary, ANM at Antari, Ritu Choubey, ANM at Gohinda, and Archana Kumari, CHO at Sakhni.

The notices have also been issued to Data Entry Operators Abhishek Shrivastava, Ram Milan Rawat, and Komal Singh Rawat.

All eight employees have been directed to submit their explanations within the stipulated time frame.

Strict Action Warned for Unsatisfactory Replies

CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar said that attendance at departmental review meetings is mandatory for all health officials and employees, as these meetings help assess the implementation of health services and government welfare schemes.

He instructed the concerned employees to submit written explanations within the prescribed deadline and warned that disciplinary action would be initiated under departmental rules if their responses are found unsatisfactory.

The CMHO also directed all health officers and staff to ensure mandatory participation in future review meetings and maintain accountability in discharging their official responsibilities.

According to officials, the district health administration has been placing greater emphasis on regular monitoring and timely implementation of healthcare programmes to improve public health services across Gwalior district. Authorities believe that strict adherence to departmental procedures and attendance norms is essential for achieving better outcomes under various national and state health initiatives.

A 26-year-old pregnant woman and her newborn died during a home delivery in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, prompting concerns over maternal healthcare awareness and the risks associated with unattended deliveries. Health officials said the woman had been diagnosed with severe anaemia and high blood pressure weeks before the incident and had been advised to undergo treatment at a hospital.

The incident occurred in Sakariya village of Lakhanpur block, where Sukhni Majhwar was undergoing delivery at home on Tuesday morning with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant. Both the mother and the unborn child died during the delivery.

Following the incident, officials from the Health Department reached the village to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Acting on the directions of the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Rural Medical Assistant Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhargava recorded statements from the family members and conducted a preliminary inquiry.

Medical Examination Had Flagged High-Risk Pregnancy

According to the Health Department, Sukhni Majhwar had recently returned to her native village from Tamil Nadu, where she and her husband, Dinesh Majhwar, worked as migrant labourers. The couple returned home on June 14 when she was around eight months pregnant.

On June 21, the village Mitanin (community health worker) accompanied her to the Primary Health Centre at Kunni for a routine antenatal examination. Medical tests reportedly found her haemoglobin level to be 6.6 g/dL, indicating severe anaemia, while her blood pressure was also elevated, placing her pregnancy in the high-risk category.

Doctors advised her to report to the hospital the following day for an iron sucrose infusion and recommended further evaluation and treatment at the district hospital in Ambikapur.

Recommended Treatment Not Availed

Health officials stated that despite repeated medical advice, the pregnant woman did not visit the district hospital for further treatment and did not receive the prescribed iron sucrose therapy.

Nearly two weeks after the medical examination, she went into labour at home. Instead of being shifted to a healthcare facility, the delivery was conducted in the village with the assistance of a local birth attendant. During the delivery, both the mother and the baby died.

The Health Department maintains that timely medical intervention and institutional delivery could have reduced the risks associated with her condition.

Preliminary Probe Points to Severe Anaemia

Rural Medical Assistant Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhargava said the preliminary inquiry indicates that severe anaemia was the primary factor behind the deaths of both the mother and the newborn.

He stated that despite being identified as a high-risk pregnancy, proper treatment was not completed. According to him, the case also highlights the need for greater public awareness regarding institutional deliveries and regular antenatal care.

Health officials added that community health workers, including Mitanins, are being instructed to ensure that all pregnant women undergo regular health check-ups and are referred to hospitals without delay whenever complications are detected.

Focus on Maternal Health Awareness

The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of institutional deliveries, especially in cases involving high-risk pregnancies. Public health experts have consistently stressed that conditions such as severe anaemia and hypertension require close medical monitoring, as they significantly increase the risk of complications during childbirth.

Authorities are expected to complete a detailed inquiry into the incident while continuing awareness campaigns encouraging expectant mothers and their families to seek timely medical care and avoid unsafe home deliveries in high-risk cases.

Concerns over drinking water quality have intensified in Madhya Pradesh after residents of Jabalpur reported receiving black, foul-smelling water through household taps on Wednesday morning. The incident comes close on the heels of recent concerns over contaminated water in Indore, raising fresh questions about the safety of urban water supply systems during the monsoon season.

The issue surfaced in Rajiv Gandhi Ward under Jabalpur's North-Central Assembly constituency, where residents claimed that muddy, foul-smelling water continued to flow from taps for nearly 10 to 15 minutes. The incident triggered panic among locals, many of whom alleged that the contamination may have already affected the health of people in the area.

Residents Report Contaminated Water Supply

According to residents, they initially assumed the discoloured water was a temporary result of heavy rainfall. However, when the supply failed to clear even after several minutes, locals inspected nearby pipelines and alleged that the drinking water pipeline passes through a drain.

Residents suspect that leakage in the pipeline may have allowed contaminated drain water to mix with the drinking water supply before reaching households. Videos showing black water flowing from taps were circulated on social media, prompting widespread concern.

Health Concerns Grow

Several residents claimed that dozens of people in the locality have fallen ill over the past few days, although no official confirmation has linked the illnesses directly to the water supply. The discovery of contaminated water has nevertheless heightened fears of water-borne diseases, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.

Rajiv Gandhi Ward resident Vijay Naidu said he had filled his overhead water tank in the morning before noticing mud and impurities in the water. He said the stored water was now unusable for drinking and raised concerns over the need to clean household storage tanks.

Another resident, Puran Lal Koshtha, alleged that the water supplied to homes was unfit for consumption and urged the municipal corporation to take immediate corrective measures. Bhaskar Pandey also claimed the water appeared as though mud had been mixed into it, warning that contaminated water could increase the risk of infectious diseases during the rainy season.

Questions Over Civic Infrastructure

Local residents have accused the municipal corporation of negligence, alleging that despite collecting taxes from citizens, it has failed to ensure the supply of safe drinking water. They have demanded that elected representatives and civic officials inspect the affected area and identify the source of contamination without delay.

Residents believe the pipeline alignment through or near an open drain requires urgent technical examination to determine whether leakage or structural damage has compromised the water supply network.

Households Face Additional Burden

The contamination has also created practical difficulties for households. Many residents had already filled overhead tanks before discovering the poor water quality and now fear that their storage systems, water coolers and domestic purification units may have been contaminated.

Several families said they would need to empty and disinfect their tanks before using the water supply again, adding to their inconvenience and expense.

Demand for Immediate Corrective Measures

Residents have urged the municipal corporation to inspect the drinking water pipeline, repair any leakage, and restore safe potable water at the earliest. They warned that failure to act promptly could lead to a larger public health crisis if contaminated water continues to be supplied.

As concerns mount, citizens are also calling for regular water quality testing and greater monitoring of civic infrastructure, particularly during the monsoon when the risk of contamination is significantly higher.

Until the issue is resolved, residents have been advised to check the colour and odour of tap water before use, boil or properly filter water intended for drinking, and immediately report any suspected contamination to the concerned civic authorities.

The meeting focused on the progress of major public health initiatives being implemented in Kerala, including the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, and healthcare human resource development under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Officials reviewed the status of healthcare delivery systems in the state and discussed measures aimed at improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services. Medical education, drug regulation, blood bank management, and food safety standards were also among the key issues taken up during the deliberations.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the discussion emphasized the need to strengthen health infrastructure, ensure the availability of essential medicines and diagnostic facilities, and enhance the efficiency of public healthcare institutions. The meeting also explored ways to improve healthcare manpower and support capacity-building efforts across various levels of the health system.

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan briefed the Union Minister on the progress of ongoing health programmes in the state. He highlighted measures being undertaken by the state government to improve healthcare delivery and expand access to medical services.

The state minister also outlined certain challenges faced in implementing health initiatives and identified areas where additional support from the Centre could help accelerate progress. He reiterated Kerala’s commitment to working closely with the Union government to achieve national public health goals and improve healthcare outcomes for citizens.

Healthcare cooperation between the Centre and states has remained a key focus area as governments work to strengthen disease surveillance, improve primary healthcare networks, and expand access to critical medical services. Regular review meetings are considered important for monitoring programme implementation and addressing operational challenges.

During the interaction, Nadda appreciated the efforts made by the Kerala government in implementing various health schemes and public welfare programmes. He noted that effective execution of healthcare initiatives requires continuous monitoring, timely interventions, and strong coordination between different levels of government.

The Union Minister also assured the state of the Centre’s continued support in strengthening Kerala’s healthcare ecosystem. He stressed that collaborative efforts between the Union and state governments are essential to ensuring better health outcomes and building a resilient public health system capable of meeting future challenges.

Officials discussed the importance of improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas, while ensuring that quality standards are maintained across medical institutions. The role of regulatory mechanisms in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and food safety was also highlighted as part of efforts to enhance public trust in healthcare services.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the public health system and ensuring that citizens have access to affordable, equitable and high-quality healthcare services. Officials said continued engagement between the Centre and states would remain critical for achieving long-term health objectives and improving overall healthcare delivery across the country.

World Zoonoses Day is being observed across the globe on Monday to raise awareness about diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans and to promote measures for their prevention and control.

Observed annually on July 6, the day commemorates the historic achievement of French scientist Louis Pasteur, who administered the world's first successful rabies vaccine to a human on July 6, 1885. The breakthrough marked a turning point in the fight against zoonotic diseases and laid the foundation for modern preventive medicine.

Zoonotic diseases, also known as zoonoses, are infectious diseases that can spread between animals and humans through direct contact, contaminated food or water, insect bites, or environmental exposure. Common examples include rabies, bird flu (avian influenza), swine flu, Ebola, Nipah virus, anthrax and certain strains of coronaviruses.

Health experts say increasing interaction between humans, wildlife and domestic animals, coupled with factors such as urbanisation, climate change and global travel, has heightened the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks. They stress that early detection, disease surveillance, vaccination of animals, food safety measures and public awareness are essential to preventing future epidemics and pandemics.

Governments, public health agencies, veterinary organisations and research institutions are marking the occasion through awareness campaigns, educational programmes, seminars and community outreach initiatives. Many of these activities focus on promoting responsible pet ownership, vaccination of domestic animals, improved livestock management and the adoption of the One Health approach, which recognises the close link between human, animal and environmental health.

The World Health Organization (WHO), along with other international health bodies, continues to encourage countries to strengthen collaboration between the medical, veterinary and environmental sectors to improve preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.

Experts note that a significant proportion of newly emerging infectious diseases worldwide originate in animals, making surveillance and prevention a global public health priority.

As World Zoonoses Day is observed, health authorities are urging individuals to follow proper hygiene practices, ensure pets are vaccinated, avoid contact with sick animals and seek immediate medical attention following animal bites or suspected exposure to infectious diseases.

The annual observance serves as a reminder that coordinated efforts among governments, scientists, veterinarians and communities are essential to reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and protecting public health worldwide.

A sharp rise in snakebite incidents during the ongoing monsoon has claimed six lives in northern Chhattisgarh within just three days, raising concerns over public safety in rural areas. The latest fatalities include two young brothers from Balrampur district and a woman from Jashpur, all of whom succumbed to krait snake bites despite receiving medical treatment at Ambikapur Medical College Hospital.

According to officials, the two brothers were bitten while sleeping on a cot outside their home in Piprasot village of Balrampur district late on Thursday night. The deceased have been identified as Vikas Nageshia (9) and his younger brother Vikrant Nageshia (3).

Family members said the incident occurred around 11:30 pm when Vikas suddenly woke up after feeling something bite him. As relatives rushed to the spot, they noticed a krait snake on the cot. Both children were immediately taken to the local health centre before being referred to Ambikapur Medical College due to the seriousness of their condition.

Doctors declared Vikas dead shortly after admission. Vikrant, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), continued to battle the effects of the venom but died later on Friday afternoon.

In a separate incident, 43-year-old Sebepitya, a resident of Dokda village in Jashpur district, also lost her life after suffering a snakebite.

The woman was sleeping on a mat placed on the floor of her house on the night of June 30 when she was bitten. Family members later spotted a krait snake inside the room. She was first taken to Farsabahar Hospital before being referred to Ambikapur Medical College as her condition deteriorated. Despite treatment, she died on Friday.

Police have registered separate cases in both incidents and have initiated investigations as part of the standard legal procedure.

The latest deaths come just days after three other people died in similar snakebite incidents across the Surguja region, taking the death toll to six within 72 hours.

Among the earlier victims were a father and daughter from Dambhatoli village in Balrampur district, who were reportedly bitten while sleeping on the floor. Another victim was a 13-year-old girl from Lakhanpur in Surguja district, who also died after being bitten by a krait snake.

Health officials say snakebite cases typically rise during the monsoon season as snakes leave flooded burrows and enter residential areas in search of dry shelter. Rural households, particularly those where people sleep on the floor or outdoors, remain at greater risk.

Wildlife rescue teams have also reported increased snake activity across the state. In a recent operation in Raigarh district near the Chhattisgarh–Odisha border, rescuers recovered 10 baby cobras and 27 cobra eggs from beneath the foundation of a house in Kandadora village. Rescue officials said several hatchlings had already emerged before the team reached the site.

Medical experts advise residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season by avoiding sleeping directly on the ground, keeping surroundings clean, using mosquito nets tucked beneath bedding, and seeking immediate medical attention if a snakebite occurs. They also caution against relying on traditional remedies, stressing that timely administration of anti-snake venom remains the most effective treatment.

With monsoon rains continuing across Chhattisgarh, authorities have urged residents in snake-prone areas to exercise additional caution and report snake sightings to local forest or rescue teams instead of attempting to handle the reptiles themselves.

The administration in Madhya Pradesh’s Maihar district has initiated strict action after a measles outbreak affected several villages, with health authorities confirming infection in 21 children. The development has raised concerns over vaccination coverage and surveillance activities in the affected areas.

District Collector Vidisha Mukherjee reviewed the situation on Monday and expressed dissatisfaction over alleged negligence in immunisation and field monitoring efforts. The action follows a report submitted by the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), highlighting gaps in vaccination and disease-control measures.

According to health department records, measles cases have been reported from Deori, Raigaon, Semra and Ajwain areas of Maihar block. Out of 43 suspected cases investigated so far, 21 children have been confirmed to be infected with measles. Most of the affected children belong to the zero-to-five-year age group.

The outbreak has already claimed the life of a three-year-old child, intensifying concerns among health officials and local residents. Authorities are now working to prevent further spread of the disease through surveillance and vaccination drives.

During a review meeting, the Collector found that certain sub-health centres had failed to conduct vaccination activities adequately. It was also observed that entries related to immunisation were not uploaded on the U-WIN portal, which is used for monitoring vaccination records.

Taking serious note of the matter, the district administration directed officials to fix accountability and ensure immediate corrective measures. The Collector warned that if improvements are not seen promptly, officials at both block and district levels could also face action.

The administration has additionally instructed authorities to take action against Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) found neglecting responsibilities related to door-to-door surveys and mobilising children for vaccination. Officials have been asked to ensure that all eligible children are covered through routine immunisation sessions and that no beneficiary is left out.

Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Block Programme Managers (BPMs) have been directed to closely monitor vaccination sessions and ensure timely data entry on the U-WIN portal. District Immunisation Officer Dr. Suchitra Agrawal has been asked to conduct another review of the situation after ten days.

Meanwhile, CMHO Dr. Manoj Shukla has issued show-cause notices to Community Health Officer (CHO) Pooja Soni and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) Vimla Shukla, both posted at the Ajmain sub-health centre. The notices cite alleged negligence in surveillance, monitoring and outbreak-control activities in the affected villages.

The officials have been directed to submit their replies within two days. The action was initiated after a report prepared by Maihar Block Medical Officer Dr. Piyush Pandey was forwarded to the CMHO for further proceedings.

The CMHO had also recommended temporary closure of schools and anganwadi centres in the affected area to contain the spread of infection. The proposal was sent to the district administration for consideration as health teams continue field investigations and awareness campaigns.

Health officials say measles cases are continuing to emerge from Maihar, Satna, Nagod and Majhgawan areas, making containment efforts critical in the coming days. Further surveillance and vaccination activities are underway, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

In view of rising temperatures and prevailing heatwave conditions across several parts of India, the Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued a comprehensive Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat for the current summer season. The advisory provides detailed guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers and participants in mass gatherings.

Key Recommendations

The advisory emphasises adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, wearing light cotton clothing and consuming seasonal fruits and fluids rich in electrolytes. It also highlights that infants, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, outdoor workers and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions.

Traditional Preparations

The Ayurveda section recommends cooling dietary practices and intake of hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks. It also suggests traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka and Chincha Panaka to help regulate body temperature.

Yoga and Breathing Techniques

The Siddha and Yoga sections advise the adoption of cooling refreshments and breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama and gentle Yoga practices for maintaining thermal comfort and reducing heat stress.

Unani and Homoeopathy

The Unani system recommends traditional cooling drinks and herbal applications to prevent sunburn and dehydration, while the Homoeopathy section suggests precautionary measures during peak heat hours.

Emergency Response

The advisory cautions citizens to remain alert for danger signs of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache, nausea, altered mental status, high body temperature, dehydration, seizures and fainting. Heatstroke has been identified as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention, with emergency helplines 108/102 recommended in severe cases.

What Next

Citizens have been advised to regularly follow weather updates issued by the India Meteorological Department and take necessary precautions during heatwave alerts. Special precautions have been advised for workplaces, including provision of shaded rest areas and regular hydration breaks.