South Delhi Municipal Corporation has issued an advisory on prevention and control of vector borne diseases in Delhi.
SDMC Commissioner Dr PK Goel, who issued the advisory, has called for prevention of mosquito breeding from the source and made it clear that its reduction is the only effective tool for prevention and control of these diseases.
As there is no specific treatment against dengue and chikungunya, prevention of these diseases is necessary. Mosquitoes breed mainly on artificial collection of clean water in desert coolers, uncovered storage containers and old tyres, said Goel.
During monsoons, the possibilities of accumulation of water becomes more.
Dr Goel also stated that the data relating to previous year reveals that there was a surge of chikungunya cases.
"Hence, there is a need to take adequate precautionary measures . There is also a need to concentrate in schools, colleges, offices and work places," said Goel.
Goel has also requested the Heads of Educational Institutions and offices to cooperate in controlling mosquito breeding. The various agencies in health sector have reported mosquito breeding in different parts of Delhi and have also expressed their deep concern over this.
"Provide access to Overhead Water Tank to facilitate checking. All coolers should be scrubbed and cleaned once a week and mopped dry before refilling. In Coolers that cannot be emptied, put one tablespoon of Tempos Granules/Petrol. Collection of stagnant water should not be allowed inside or around office premises and if the same does take place a little quantity of kerosene/petrol/ diesel may be put in such stagnant waste water collection. Unused/broken bottles, plastic cups, pots and tyres etc that can hold water should not be left in the open," Goel said
The Commissioner also advised people to buy NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control) designed coolers which prevents mosquito breeding.
Such coolers may be used instead of conventional desert coolers. Dr. Goel has also requested the Heads of offices to nominate their nodal officers to ensure compliance of advisory and proper prevention and control of water born diseases by eliminating breeding of mosquito across their complex.
Dr. Goel called upon RWAs, Market Association and General public to take preventive measures failing which the outbreak of Dengue and Chikungunya may become uncontrollable.
He has sent advisory to all the offices of Central, State Governments, CPWD, PWD, DDA, Delhi Police, Delhi Jal Board and DMRC.