Naxal blackout: Jaundice outbreak in Bastar

Jagdalpur, June 6 (UNI) Amid chaos following power blackout after the naxals damaged high tension transmission towers six days ago, civic life in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh remained paralysed with disruption in water supply and outbreak of jaundice in an epidemic form.

Work in hospitals had been affected and water supply disrupted in four districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur districts affecting more than 2.6 million population.

More than 3,000 people have reportedly been affected by jaundice in Jagdalpur town itself, while a large number of patients, mostly children, are visiting hospitals due to dehydration, official sources said.

Besides, disruption in power supply also affected production of about 60,000 tonnes of iron ore daily in the mines of National Mineral Development Corporation at Bailadila and normal functioning at the Essar Steel unit.

Meanwhile, staff of the state electricity board (CSEB) deployed for restoration of tower lines have reached the spot to begin their task in Bhaudai forests in Narayanpur-Orcha area. Approach roads are being constructed to ensure smooth movement of men and materials.

Two companies of security forces have been specially deployed to provide security cover to those engaged in the work for restoration of transmission lines. Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) R K Vij and senior officials of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are supervising the security arrangements.

CSEB sources said it would take more than a week to restore the transmission lines as its engineers and staff were apprehensive about security aspects in view of the possibility of Naxalites laying landmines around the area where the work has to be carried out.

Communist Party of India (Maoists) had stepped up violence in tribal Bastar region since June 2005 after the launch of 'Salwa Judum' movement involving civilians to drive out Maoists from the region. Now the Maoists appeared to have changed their strategy and began targetting vital installations.

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