SILCHAR | The Cachar District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has advised residents living along the Jatinga River to avoid using its water for the next 48 hours following concerns of possible formalin contamination after a tanker accident near Jatinga Bridge.

According to district authorities, a tanker transporting formalin met with an accident on July 4 near the bridge. Officials suspect that some quantity of the chemical may have leaked into the river, prompting the administration to issue a precautionary public safety advisory.

In view of the potential health risks associated with formalin exposure, residents have been asked not to consume or use water from the Jatinga River for drinking or cooking purposes. The administration has also urged people to avoid entering the river and to ensure that livestock do not drink the water during the advisory period.

As part of preventive measures, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has been directed to temporarily halt water extraction from its drinking water supply project in the Barkhola Assembly constituency, which sources water from the Jatinga River.

District officials said the situation is under close observation and necessary assessments are being carried out. The administration has appealed to the public to strictly adhere to the advisory and cooperate with authorities until further updates are issued.

The DDMA stated that the precautionary measures have been taken to eliminate any possible risk to public health while the extent of the suspected contamination is being examined.