SDMC steps up drive to curb mosquito breeding

New Delhi: Concerned by the lukewarm response to government agencies, offices and institutions in taking preventive steps against outbreak of vector-borne diseases, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, the commissioner, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has issued another letter to the respective administrative heads to take action as communicated earlier. 

On Thursday, he emphasised upon the need to prevent mosquito breeding in work places, institutions and homes. “Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine against these diseases, prevention of mosquito breeding by source reduction is the only means to prevent and control dengue and chikungunya,” said Dr Goel.

Dr Goel reiterated that action for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases should be taken as communicated in earlier advisories. 

According to a senior SDMC official, Dr. Goel has issued another missive to the administrative heads of all government, autonomous offices, educational institutions, commercial concerns, market associations, RWAs to take preventive action. 

He pointed out the central cross checking teams of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, National Institute of Malaria Research and the SDMC have been reporting mosquito breeding in various government offices, schools and certain residential colonies.

Nodal officers be nominated to ensure these measures are taken. Wherever mosquito breeding is found and the concerned authority or individual fails to take preventive measures they will be fined Rs 500. Public health department has been working hard to facilitate general public, he added.