In its bid to prevent the outbreak of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has geared up to control the menace this year by intensifying ‘Information Education and Communication’ (IEC) activities throughout the year with greater emphasis during monsoon season.
According to a municipal report released on Monday, 86 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the national Capital this year even though the season of the vector-borne diseases had ended in December. 32 cases of dengue and 13 cases of malaria have also been reported in the last four months.
“We have already issued advisory with do’s and don’ts to ‘Residents Warfare Associations’ (RWA), educational institutions, religious places, commercial complexes, market and other associations. Besides advertisement will also be published in leading newspapers to make public aware. Hand bills, banners, brochures, poly foam charts, stickers are also being distributed. Five lakh SMSs mentioning preventive measures have been sent in first phases for spreading awareness,” a senior official of the Corporation said.
“We are also operating a toll free number 1800-11-2260 to address the mosquito complaints. A total of 7,516 legal notices and 371 challans have been issued against violators till date. Also this year SDMC has decided to levy administrative charges against those who do not follow the guidelines mention in served notice within stipulated time,” he added.
The municipal authorities had in early March called an all-hands workshop on prevention and control of vector-borne diseases to finalise a comprehensive action plan for combating the menace in the coming season.
In the workshop, SDMC Commissioner PK Goel had asked officials to “identify the cases of dengue and chikungunya coming to Delhi from other States”.
It may be noted that lieutenant Governor on March 23 had also held a review meeting with the three municipal commissioners on preparations for combating vector-borne diseases in the city in the wake of cases of vector-borne diseases still being reported.
The initiatives are considered important as 32 cases of dengue have already reported this year and last year the number was 4,431, according to the report by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation which tabulates the data on behalf of all municipal corporations in the city.