Bidhannagar Municipal Corp plans fine for 'intentional' accumulators of stagnant water

Kolkata: The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is mulling to impose fines on people who "intentionally" encourage the accumulation of stagnant water in their households. The BMC is also undertaking the cleaning of clogged waterbodies in the area and encouraging residents to take up pisciculture in these ponds through co-operatives.

"We are thinking of imposing fines upon those who are intentionally turning a blind eye to stagnant water in their premises and encouraging the breeding of mosquito larvae. We are seeking legal advice on how to go forward with levying the fine," BMC Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta said.

Sources in the BMC said that the fine will be around Rs 100 but this should make people alert to keep their own premises neat and clean.

Dutta recently held a review meeting with all his councillors and ward staff and directed that the civic body will follow a three-pronged approach — prevention, detection and treatment in its fight against dengue.

It is learnt that BMC has identified a certain area near

Baguiati where more than 50 makeshift shanties have come up right on the bank of Kestopur canal.

"The people are residing in unhealthy conditions there and encouraging the breeding of dengue mosquitoes. The neighbourhood area too may suffer because of these illegal encroachers. However, this area comes under the state Irrigation department. We have prepared a DPR and urged them for immediate steps in this regard. The matter has also been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary," Dutta said.

The civic body has already sent directives in the form of do's and don't's for preventing dengue to all the cineplexes within the municipal area. Emphasis is also being given to door-to-door awareness campaigns and using of fogging machines and mosquito repellent oil.

The three health centres have been equipped with all infrastructure for detection and treatment of dengue and the private hospitals have been asked to forward to us the details of any patient who is diagnosed with the vector-borne disease.

"We have two existing sanitary inspectors and are in the process of recruiting four more soon. This will help us to monitor the condition of all the six boroughs in a much better manner," the Mayor said.