KMC to launch anti-dengue drives from February 21

Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will start its drives against the vector-borne diseases from February 21.

Atin Ghosh deputy mayor in-charge of the civic body's Health department will lead the drive when the officials will visit Muraripukur Road in north Kolkata. The municipal corporation has identified 20 wards that are vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases.

On February 2, civic authorities had launched a massive campaign to create awareness on preventive measures against vector-borne diseases. About 145 rallies on dengue and malaria sensitisation were taken out all across the city. The central rally, led by mayor Firhad Hakim, was taken out from the KMC headquarters on SN Banerjee Road.

People from all walks of life took part in the processions. The municipal corporation will launch anti-dengue drives in three phases. The first phase started in January and will continue till June. The second phase will start in July and continue till October while the third phase will start in November-December. In 2018, because of regular anti-dengue programmes, the number of people afflicted with the disease was reduced to one third.

A civic official said participation and cooperation of local residents was required for the success of these anti-dengue drives. Even, the World Health Organization has said to combat dengue common people must be incorporated in these programmes. The civic authorities have opened 16 dengue clinics in Kolkata where blood samples are tested free of cost. Besides there are blood collection centres in every ward.

The civic body teams will visit the homes of local residents to ensure that overhead tanks and underground reservoirs are properly cleaned and covered. They will also visit the construction sites to ensure that the containers where water is stored is cleaned once in a week and the garbage is removed daily. The teams will have members of the health, solid waste management and building departments.