The Cachar district administration on Saturday ordered precautionary measures after a tanker carrying formalin was reportedly involved in an accident on National Highway-27 between Jatinga and Lampu in neighbouring Dima Hasao, causing the chemical to leak into the Jatinga river. Acting on an advisory from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dima Hasao, officials moved to protect public health and limit environmental harm.
The DDMA, Cachar has directed all concerned departments to immediately conduct water-quality tests and continuously monitor the affected stretch of the Jatinga river. Authorities have been asked to prioritise public water supply schemes, especially river intake points, to prevent contamination of drinking water sources.
District officials have ordered that livestock be prevented from entering or drinking from the contaminated section of the river. Strict surveillance has been imposed to stop the catching, transportation and sale of fish from the Jatinga until authorities declare the water safe for use.
Residents have been advised not to use river water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, irrigation or any other domestic purpose until further notice. The advisory urges anyone who experiences eye or skin irritation, breathing difficulties, nausea, dizziness or vomiting after contact with the river water to seek immediate medical attention.
According to an official statement, the Additional District Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of DDMA, Cachar has instructed all departments to implement the advisory strictly, coordinate with local authorities and stakeholders, and submit action-taken reports to the Deputy Commissioner’s office as soon as possible.
As part of the response, officials will carry out awareness campaigns in villages along the riverbanks to inform residents of the risks and precautions. The administration appealed to the public to remain calm and rely only on official information and advisories issued by district authorities.
Formalin — a 37–40% solution of formaldehyde in water, often with methanol — is highly hazardous. It is toxic if swallowed and can cause severe irritation or burning of the mouth, throat and digestive tract; large doses can be life‑threatening.
