34
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
Detachment H.M.' 4th Rifles N.I.
ASIRGARH.—In medical charge of burgeon J. b. WILKINS.—Strength 149.2.
The detachment 4th N.I. (Rifles) has been here since the 18th December 1875. In
December of this year it was increased in number by 18 men
from the head-quarters at Satara, in consequence of the heavier
duty the men had to perform.
2. Since writing the annual report for last year there has been no alteration in the
general condition of the lines. There is one drain (pucka)
which runs at the western end of the lines north to south.
This drain empties itself over the side wall. There is also
another pucka drain which runs halfway down the main street,
and also empties itself over the walls; beyond these there are in reality no other drains.
These two pucka drains are virtually useless, as, with the exception of a few houses in their
immediate vicinity (and amongst these houses are some inhabited by the native officers,
who have themselves built small tile-drains leading from their houses to the pucka drains),
most of the water from the huts finds its way into puddles, which are almost as bad as
cesspools, or sinks into the ground. To remedy these defects I would recommend the build-
ing of pucka drains between every two blocks running at a slope and meeting a central
one which should empty itself over the walls. All drains to be well flushed with water.
This condition of the drains has already been brought to notice.
3. There is no alteration since my last report, and the system employed has answered
admirably, there being no unpleasantness. There are two new
latrines built: one, which is a pucka building with well rammed
floor and iron pans with dry earth, built for the use of the State prisoners, in place of their old
one, which was condemned. This was mentioned in my last report as calling for alteration,
being too near the drinking-water. Another latrine has been built for the use of the work-
people of the P. W. D. near the Seven Gates. The mule lines, which were within the catch-
ment area of one of the tanks, have been removed to a site selected near the Seven Gates.
4. In continuation of the history of the water supply to this fort I must call attention
to the fact that the scheme for the supply of potable water was
that the Mamoo Banja tank should be cleaned out. This was
done at considerable expense during the hot weather of 1876, and the result, as shown by
the analysis given in my last report, was a complete failure. After this the Sanitary Commis-
sioner of the Central Provinces was ordered here to report on the water supply, and to give
his opinion as to the best means of having pure water. The result was that a long drain
was built running above the tank, the object being to cut off the contaminated water which
would flow into the tank from those houses in the catchment area of the tank, and by so doing
to have a clean catchment. The tank was also cleaned out a second time, and a well sunk
in a ravine to the southwest of the tank and about thirty yards away. This well has been
made through rock except at the western side or the side furthest from the tank, where there
is a wedge of moorum. The quantity of water measured in the tank after the rains was
twenty-one feet, and in the well about forty feet. The water in the tank was not disturbed,
and every precaution was taken to keep it pure. The water was sent for analysis in.
September last, and the following is the result:—
"Statement showing the result of the examination of a sample of water forwarded by
the Subordinate Officer, P. W. Department, Asirgarh, with letter No. 553 of
24th September 1877, taken from the Mamoo Banja tank: arrived at the laboratory
September 26th.
"Total solids, grains per gallon
13
Chlorine,,
......................................
1.23
Free ammonia, parts per million
..53
Albuminoid ammonia
,,
. 46
Sediment copious, consists principally of green vegetable matter; Rotifers and
Paramecia present.
"From the above it will be seen that the water is very bad and not fit to drink."
Another sample of water, taken from the well sunk in the ravine leading to Mamoo
Bauja tank, was sent to Dr. Lyon in October last, and the analysis is as follows :—
" Total solids, grains per gallon
29.400
Chlorine
,,
c
1.33
Free ammonia, parts per million ...
.04
Albuminoid ammonia
„
.14
Sediment scanty; Paramecia, vegetable matter, and mineral fragments."
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround-
ings: present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.