Steps being taken to tackle mosquito menace
Posted on: 02/Sep/2015 11:02:37 AM
The Corporation of Chennai has started an awareness program to involve the public in tackling the mosquito menace in the city. The program aims at preventing an outbreak of vector and water borne diseases like malaria, chikungunya and dengue. The Mayor Saidai Duraisamy has said that the campaign will take four months.
Say Corporation officials, `The next three to four months are worrisome. Only if people cooperate and keep their houses and localities clean and devoid of mosquito-breeding spots, will our campaign be successful. All our focus and manpower are concentrated on continuously educating the public on preventive measures especially in schools and slums. Apart from schools, we are gathering people in small groups to send out the message more effectively.`
Chennai has seen a good level of rainfall this past week. But, the mosquitos of increased because of this, especially in areas like teynampet, Sowcarpet and Anna Nagar. Residents have been advised to cover overhead tanks and discard old and unused vessels and tires. They have also been informed to be on the lookout for fevers and colds.
Representatives from residents welfare associations, amounting to more than 1100, have participated in the campaign till now. They have distributed 15 million leaflets. They have also erected 1000 banners in public places that state the above mentioned advise. Fogging, removing sources of breeding and water hyacinth have also begun in earnest.
The Corporation needs more manpower to continue its campaign effectively. There is a need for 41 posts of sanitary inspectors and 224 vacancies in the health department. These include the posts of city health officers, zonal health officers, medical officers and sanitary inspectors.
