Kolkata: The South Dum Dum Municipality, which has been able to keep dengue under check after intensive awareness activities and preventive drives, will continue such activities even during the festive season, to ensure that the vector-borne disease remains under control.
"This year, our awareness activities and stress on cleanliness has helped in keeping dengue under check. I will
convene a meeting on Satur-day or Sunday and take stock
of the situation in all the 35 wards of the municipality and will urge the councillors to be vigilant so that vector-borne diseases remain under check," said Pacchu Gopal Roy, chairman of South Dum Dum Municipality.
Recently, the civic body had acted tough and covered a reservoir full of water situated in an open space adjacent to an under-construction building, after the promoter had sat idle despite a notice being served to him. "We found that the reservoir had turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. So we covered it," a senior official said.
The municipality, in coordination with the police, are taking steps to keep the footpaths on Jessore Road and Dum Dum Road clear of encroachments so that the pandal-hoppers face no difficulty during the Puja.
"This will prevent congestion as both vehicles and pedestrians will be able to move smoothly during the festive season," Roy added.
Instructions have been given to have arrangement of water and round-the-clock ambulance facilities during the Puja. "We will have a round-the-clock helpline number, where people may call if they require water or medical assistance. Our team will be ready to extend help," a senior official of the municipality said.
The municipality has already completed repair work of the roads that have been damaged due to rain.
"After our board took over we have gone on to ensure that all drains in our area are covered. There are only a few pockets where drains still remain uncovered. We will soon ensure that there is not a
single uncovered drain in South Dum Dum," the official added.