Special cleanliness drive held in Jalpaiguri and South Dinajpur

Jalpaiguri / South Dinajpur: In line with the instructions of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a two-day special cleanliness drive aimed at preventing dengue and other vector-borne diseases began on Sunday in Jalpaiguri and South Dinajpur districts. During this campaign, Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Shama Parveen was observed assisting several shop owners in cleaning up the garbage left on the streets.

A district-level awareness programme has been in operation for some time now to combat the spread of dengue. Present at this special drive, which extended from Merchant Road in the city to the Temple Street area, were District Police Superintendent Khandbahale Umesh Ganapat, Municipal Chairman Papiya Pal, and others.

The number of dengue cases in Jalpaiguri has been on the rise, with the district Health department reporting 609 cases up until Saturday. With Puja scheduled to begin next week, there is concern that this festival might contribute to an increase in infections. It’s worth noting that Durga Puja has been declared a heritage festival by UNESCO, potentially bringing their representatives to the city. Considering this, the cleaning operation was carried out.

Parveen said: “The dengue issue is concerning. Furthermore, with the possibility of UNESCO representatives visiting the city, our reputation is at stake. Although the dengue situation is now under control, the way waste is being left behind, water could accumulate, leading to a resurgence of dengue. That’s why this campaign is vital.”

Meanwhile, in South Dinajpur, the cleanliness drive encompasses the cleaning of drains, garbage collection sites, and potential mosquito breeding areas, along with the use of disinfectants such as bleaching powder and sprays. The cleanliness drive also extended to office premises, hospitals, PHCs, markets, bazaars, and residential areas.

Bijin Krishna, District Magistrate of South Dinajpur, stated: “This drive aims to encourage the public to responsibly dispose of scrap materials, such as tires, damaged utensils, and discarded metals. On October 16, schools, ICDS centres and other government offices will also join the cleanliness drive. Loudspeaker announcements have been initiated from October 14 to appeal to the general public, promoting awareness and encouraging participation in this cleanliness drive.”