How to chlorinate wells and water bodies to stay safe from amoeba?

At a time when amoebic meningoencephalitis is being widely reported from across Kerala, the government is all set to undertake a mega chlorination drive. The initiative, named Jalamanu Jeevan (Water is Life), aims to clean five million wells in just two days. Water tanks and wells across the state would be chlorinated on August 30 and 31 to prevent the outbreak of amoebic meningoencephalitis. Haritha Keralam (Kerala govt mission to promote water conservation and waste management) chairperson TN Seema said that the volunteers would reach every house in the state to chlorinate the wells.

Timeline of the process
Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, Kudumbasree workers, Haritha Karma Sena, MGNREGA workers, social workers, NGOs and residents’ associations would be part of this state-wide chlorination drive. Meanwhile, the water inspection will begin on September 12. Awareness campaigns will be conducted at schools from September 12 to 30. The Haritha Keralam Mission will establish a water quality testing facility near the chemistry labs in higher secondary schools. Additionally, 350 labs would be established across the state. Ponds and other water bodies would be cleaned from September 20 to November 1. 

What is chlorination?
Chlorination is used to combat microorganisms, such as amoebas, that cause deadly diseases like amoebic meningoencephalitis. Tanks in which pipe water is stored and public wells will be chlorinated. Chlorination should be done according to the water level in the wells. Local self–government offices have been entrusted to distribute the bleaching powder and chlorination tablets. Meanwhile, medical officers and health inspectors would give the necessary instructions.