Schools across Jeolikote in Nainital reopened on Monday after remaining closed for 45 days following an outbreak of waterborne illnesses. Classes resumed after about one and a half months, bringing students back to school in the area.

Block chief Dr Harish Bisht conducted surprise inspections at several schools with departmental officials. During an inspection of Shaheed Heeraballabh Bhatt Government Inter College, he found the water tank and toilets dirty and expressed displeasure over the condition.

Bisht directed principal Kundan Singh to ensure regular cleaning and improve the school’s sanitation arrangements. He also instructed the education department to keep essential facilities in all schools in proper condition.

Review meeting focuses on drinking water

Officials from the Jal Sansthan, Drinking Water Corporation, health department and education department later attended a review meeting at the KVK auditorium. The meeting examined work completed so far and discussed the next action plan for the area.

Bisht directed officials to complete all work within the stipulated time and maintain quality. Discussions included arrangements for safe drinking water in every gram sabha, continuous water supply and the formation of a block-level committee to approve new water connections.

The meeting was attended by gram pradhans Dr Babita Manral, Devendra Negi, Hargovind Rawat, Shekhar Bhatt, Naval Kumar and Manoj Bargali, along with departmental officials.

Bisht told Chief Medical Officer Dr Rashmi Pant that the campaign and monitoring should continue for 100 days after the last case. He also directed the Jal Sansthan to maintain clean and reliable drinking-water arrangements in the future.

Bisht said that if children became ill because of unhygienic conditions or contaminated drinking water at any school, responsibility would lie with the school management and the health department. The statement places renewed focus on preventive measures as classes resume.

CMO asks children to bring boiled water

CMO Dr Rashmi Pant inspected 3 schools in the Jeolikote area on Monday. She spoke to students about safe drinking water and personal hygiene and appealed to them to bring boiled water from home.

Pant instructed principals and teachers to maintain cleanliness in drinking-water facilities, toilets and school campuses. She also asked schools to ensure that handwashing arrangements remain available and functional.

Health checks continued at the Primary Health Centre in Jeolikote. A total of 40 people were examined, while blood tests were conducted for 27 people.

The reopening means regular classes have resumed, but the inspection and review directions require schools and departments to maintain sanitation, safe water access and health monitoring. The next verified step is continued surveillance for 100 days after the final reported case, along with follow-up work on water supply and school facilities.

Conclusion

Jeolikote schools have reopened after 45 days, while officials have ordered stronger sanitation, safe-water and health-monitoring measures. Schools, health authorities and water departments must now maintain these arrangements and continue the prescribed surveillance period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When did schools in Jeolikote reopen?

Schools in the Jeolikote area reopened on Monday after being closed for 45 days.

Q. Why had the schools remained closed?

The schools had remained closed after an outbreak of waterborne illnesses in the area.

Q. What problems were found at Shaheed Heeraballabh Bhatt Government Inter College?

The water tank and toilets were found to be dirty during the inspection.

Q. What did the CMO advise students?

CMO Dr Rashmi Pant appealed to students to bring boiled water from home and follow personal hygiene practices.

Q. How long should monitoring continue after the last case?

Dr Harish Bisht asked the health authorities to continue the campaign and monitoring for 100 days after the last case.

Q. How many people were examined at the Jeolikote health centre?

The Primary Health Centre examined 40 people, and blood tests were conducted for 27 people.